Lincoln, NE Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- 6¢/sq ft per month, $25 minimum
- Bond or check
- $5,000 required with application
- Liability insurance
- $500,000 minimum, city as insured
- Penalty
- $50–$500 fine, misdemeanor
- Governing chapter
- Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 14.29
Summary
Occupying a Lincoln street, sidewalk, or alley for private construction work requires a Building Official permit, a $5,000 bond or certified check, and a fee of six cents per square foot each month, minimum $25.
Any person engaged in the erection, construction, reconstruction, wrecking or repairing of any building, or the construction or repair of any sidewalk along any street, may occupy the public space, whether street, sidewalk space, or alley... Such person shall make an application to the building official... the Building Official may grant the applicant a permit to occupy public space... The applicant... shall pay... a fee as follows: Six cents a square foot for each month... minimum fee will be $25.00 for any one permit.
Full Breakdown
Anyone erecting, repairing, or wrecking a building, or building or repairing a sidewalk, along a Lincoln street may occupy adjacent street, sidewalk, or alley space only after applying to the Building Official with a drawing of the proposed walkway and street-use area. The application must be backed by a $5,000 bond or certified check and $500,000 in commercial general liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured. Permit fees run six cents per square foot per month, minimum $25, plus $10 a day per parking meter hooded. The Building Official may revoke the permit for willful violation of its terms.
Violations & Fines
Occupying street, sidewalk, or alley space without a permit, or willfully violating permit terms, is a misdemeanor: $50–$500 fine plus costs, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a dumpster or scaffolding on a Lincoln sidewalk?
How much does a Lincoln right-of-way encroachment permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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