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Omaha, NE Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit fee, ≤10 acres
$500
Permit fee, >10 acres
$1,000
Issuing office
Permits and inspection division
Exemption
Agricultural grading

Summary

Omaha requires a grading permit before any grading, clearing, or excavation large enough to need an NPDES stormwater permit, plus a $500-$1,000 fee.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in or cause any grading, clearing, or excavation activities that result in the disturbance of any land areas sufficiently large to require a general NPDES construction site stormwater permit, without ... first obtaining a grading permit from the city's permits and inspection division... the applicant shall pay to the city a fee of $500.00 for ten acres or less, or $1,000.00 for more than ten acres.

Source: OMC Chapter 32 — Stormwater ManagementView official code

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 32-101 makes it unlawful to grade, clear, or excavate land at a scale that triggers a general NPDES construction site stormwater permit without first getting a grading permit from the permits and inspection division. Sec. 32-102 requires filing both a city application and an NDEQ NPDES notice of intent, which the city forwards to NDEQ for approval. Sec. 32-103 sets the fee at $500 for ten acres or less, $1,000 for more than ten acres. Agricultural grading is exempt. Erosion and sediment control during construction must follow the Omaha Regional Stormwater Design Manual per Sec. 32-105.

Violations & Fines

Grading, clearing, or excavating without the required permit is unlawful under Sec. 32-101; the permits and inspection division and public works department enforce the permit and NDEQ coordination requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every construction project in Omaha need a grading permit?
Only if the disturbed area is large enough to require a general NPDES construction site stormwater permit under Sec. 32-101; smaller sites are exempt.
What does the grading permit application require?
A city application plus an NDEQ NPDES notice of intent, per Sec. 32-102; the city reviews it and forwards it to NDEQ for approval or denial.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Omaha

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant Restrictions

All Omaha rules

Compare Omaha to another location·View the Nebraska environmental rules overview

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