Business Licensing & Operations in Lincoln, NE (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Lincoln, Nebraska, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Lincoln requires a special permit for any sexually oriented live entertainment establishment in H-3, H-4, I-1, I-2, or I-3 zones, with 1,500-foot separation from other such businesses and 1,000-foot buffers from homes, schools, and churches.
Lincoln Adult Entertainment Permit & Spacing Rules
Significant RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 27.63.730 (Sexually Oriented Live Entertainment Establishment, special permit)
In the H-3, H-4, I-1, I-2, and I-3 zoning districts, a special permit may be granted to allow a sexually oriented live entertainment establishment, subject to the following conditions: a. ... Not more than two sexually oriented live entertainment establishments shall be located within 1,500 feet of each other measured from the nearest access doors of the two establishments... 3. ... No sexually...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Tattoo, branding, and piercing businesses in Lincoln need a Health Director permit before opening, and every practitioner needs their own permit too. Operating unpermitted is a declared public nuisance.
Lincoln Tattoo & Body Art Permits
Significant RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 8.08.030 (Body Art Establishment; Permit Required)
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a body art establishment without first obtaining a permit from the Health Director. The operation of a body art establishment without the required permit is declared to be a public nuisance. The operator of a body art establishment shall conspicuously post or display the body art establishment permit so that it is readily seen by customers. It shal...
Secondhand Dealers
Lincoln requires secondhand jewelry and watch dealers to obtain a City Clerk permit, post a $5,000 bond, fingerprint sellers, and hold purchased items 14 days before resale.
Lincoln Secondhand Jewelry & Watch Dealer Permit
Significant RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 5.42.030
It shall be unlawful for any person to purchase secondhand jewelry or secondhand watches in the regular course of business without first obtaining a permit therefor from the City Clerk; such permit shall be necessary in addition to any other required permit or license.
Pawnbrokers
Lincoln requires anyone operating as a pawnbroker to hold a City Clerk-issued Pawnbroker Permit backed by a $5,000 surety bond, plus a yearly $25 occupation tax.
Lincoln Pawnbroker Permit Required
Significant RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 5.34.020
It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a pawnbroker individually or as part of a business without a valid Pawnbroker Permit. A suspended, revoked, or expired permit is not a valid permit.
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Lincoln bars welding, vehicle body repair, mechanical repair, and rebuilding or dismantling vehicles as a home occupation, so residential auto repair businesses are prohibited citywide regardless of zoning district.
No Vehicle Repair as Lincoln Home Occupation
Heavy RestrictionsLincoln Municipal Code § 27.70.010(b) (Home Occupations)
A home occupation may be carried on within a dwelling unit or accessory building under the following conditions: a. There is no sign other than one nonanimated, nonilluminated, nonreflecting nameplate not more than two square feet in area, which nameplate designates the home occupation carried on within, in letters not to exceed two inches in height and attached to the building wherein the hom...
Looking for Lancaster County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lincoln city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Lancaster County →