Accessory Structures in Lancaster County, NE (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Lancaster County, Nebraska.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Lancaster County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

ADU Rules

One accessory dwelling unit per lot is allowed by special permit on Lancaster County acreage of 20 acres or more, capped at 1,000 square feet or 40 percent of the main house, with the owner required to live on site under Zoning Resolution § 13.050.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules

Significant Restrictions

Lincoln-Lancaster County Zoning Resolution § 13.050

One accessory dwelling unit per lot may be allowed by special permit in the AG zoning district under the following conditions: The lot area shall be 20 acres or larger. ... The total square footage of the ADU shall not exceed the lesser of 1,000 square feet or 40% of the square footage of the principal dwelling, excluding the garages, carports, and space used for mechanical equipment, such as h...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Shed & Carport Rules

Lancaster County caps how much accessory-building floor area a single-family or two-family residential lot can carry, scaling the limit by lot size and zoning district under § 17.005, and requires any freestanding shed to stay at least two feet off the side and rear lot lines and inside 30 percent of the required rear yard.

Accessory Building Rules in Lancaster County

Some Restrictions

Lincoln-Lancaster County Zoning Resolution § 17.005

Accessory buildings may be built in a required rear yard, except as otherwise provided in this resolution, but such accessory buildings shall not occupy more than thirty (30) percent of a required rear yard and shall not be nearer than two (2) feet to any side or rear lot line except, that when a garage is entered from an alley, it shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet to the main buil...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Accessory Structures by City in Lancaster County

1 cities in Lancaster County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

LincolnPop. 291,082

4 verified rules • ADU Owner Occupancy, ADU Rental Restrictions

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