Douglas County, NE Environmental Rules: Grading & Drainage (2026)

Grading and drainage in Douglas County are regulated through a combination of Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 31 (Stormwater) and Ch. 43 (Building Code, which adopts the 2018 IBC/IRC with Nebraska amendments). Grading permits are required for excavation or fill typically exceeding 50 cubic yards, or on sites with slopes over 2:1, retaining walls, or drainage impacts. Site grading must direct surface drainage away from structures — residential foundations typically require a minimum 6-inch fall in the first 10 feet around the perimeter — and must not adversely redirect flows onto adjacent properties. Drainage swales, French drains, catch basins, and sump pump outlets must discharge to approved locations, not directly onto neighbors. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require engineered design and separate permits. Compaction testing is required for structural fill supporting foundations. Final grade must match approved plans before Certificate of Occupancy. Property owners remain responsible for maintaining drainage facilities on their land, including swales and culverts. Douglas County rural properties follow similar standards through county zoning. Papio-Missouri River NRD regulates work in natural stream channels.