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Lincoln, NE Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

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

Key Facts

Default zoning
AG Agriculture District on annexation
Trigger
Annexation within three miles of city limits
Purpose
Preserve agriculture, limit urban sprawl
Violation penalty
Misdemeanor, up to $100 per day
Alternate default
Stays AGR if previously so zoned

Summary

When Lincoln annexes land within three miles of its limits, city code automatically places it in the AG Agriculture District unless already zoned AGR, preserving farmland zoning through annexation instead of rezoning it commercial or residential.

All unincorporated territory which may hereafter come within three miles of the city limits by virtue of annexation to the city shall be placed and continued in the AG Agriculture District unless previously designated AGR Agricultural Residential District, in which event it shall be continued in such district. Any other county zoning shall cause the Planning Director to initiate a change of zone to the appropriate city zoning classification closest in use and area regulations to the previous county zoning.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.05.050 sets the default: any unincorporated land the city annexes within three miles of its limits is placed and continued in the AG Agriculture District, unless the land was already zoned AGR Agricultural Residential, in which case it stays AGR. Chapter 27.07 explains why, the AG District exists to encourage a vigorous agricultural industry and preserve agricultural production by limiting urban sprawl from acreage development. Only if the county had assigned different zoning does the Planning Director initiate a change to the closest matching city classification; otherwise farmland keeps its agricultural zoning through annexation.

Violations & Fines

Building or using land in the AG District contrary to Title 27 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $100 per day of violation; the City Attorney can also seek an injunction to stop or correct the violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lincoln automatically rezone farmland when it's annexed?
Yes. Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.05.050 places newly annexed land within three miles of the city limits into the AG Agriculture District by default, unless it was already zoned AGR Agricultural Residential.
What can I build in Lincoln's AG Agriculture District?
Only uses listed as permitted, conditional, or special in the Chapter 27.06 Use Group Tables for the AG District: mainly farming, agricultural buildings, and uses customarily accessory to them.
What happens if I violate the AG District's rules?
It's a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100 per day the violation continues, and the City Attorney can also sue for an injunction to stop or correct it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant Restrictions

All Lincoln rules

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