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Omaha, NE Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Omaha Municipal Code ch. 24, art. II
Permit required
Before any exterior work on landmark
Reviewing body
9-member Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission
Max penalty
$500 fine or 6 months jail
Applies to
Public and private property alike

Summary

Omaha designates landmarks and heritage districts under Chapter 24 and requires a permit before any exterior alteration, demolition, or reconstruction affecting protected features.

No person shall carry out or cause to be carried out any work on a landmark or in a landmark heritage district without a permit first being issued by the permits and inspections division. For the purposes of this section, an alteration, construction, reconstruction, restoration, remodeling, or other change shall be deemed to require a permit only where such work affects any of the characteristics of the landmark or district which were deemed to be significant and intended to be preserved as recited in the ordinance designating such landmark or district.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission designates landmarks and heritage districts under Sec. 24-52 based on historical, architectural, geographic, or archeological importance. Once designated, Sec. 24-75 bars anyone from carrying out work, defined in Sec. 24-71 as alteration, demolition, construction, reconstruction, restoration, or remodeling that changes the visible exterior, without a permit from the permits and inspections division. The rule applies to public and private property alike under Sec. 24-73, and the nine-member commission reviews plans for exterior colors, materials, and signage before a permit issues.

Violations & Fines

Carrying out unpermitted work on a designated landmark or in a heritage district violates Sec. 24-38, punishable under the general penalty (Sec. 1-10) by up to a $500 fine or six months in jail, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to repaint or replace windows on an Omaha landmark?
Yes. Sec. 24-75 requires a permit for any exterior work affecting the features the designation ordinance identified as significant, including material or color changes.
Does landmark designation apply to city-owned buildings too?
Yes. Sec. 24-73 subjects government-owned property to the same review as private landmarks, including street furniture and lighting in a heritage district.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Omaha

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All Omaha rules

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