101 local rules on file · Pop. 75 · Douglas County
Showing ordinances that apply to Venice, NE
Venice is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 75 in Douglas County, Nebraska. Because Venice is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Douglas County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Douglas County may have different rules.
Douglas County and the City of Omaha regulate leaf blower use through general noise hours under Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 17. Nebraska has no statewide gas blower ban. Operation is generally allowed 7 AM to 10 PM in residential areas, with commercial landscaping crews subject to the same limits except where otherwise permitted.
Amplified music in Douglas County is regulated under Omaha Municipal Code §17-4 (unreasonable noise) with permit requirements for outdoor events. Residential amplification must comply with quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 7 AM). Special event permits required for parks, sidewalks, and public right-of-way.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Douglas County ordinances.
Douglas County regulates noise in unincorporated areas through its Nuisance Regulation. Excessive, unreasonable noise that disturbs neighbors' comfort and repose is prohibited.
Douglas County does not mandate wildfire defensible space but requires property maintenance free of fire hazards under Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 18 and county nuisance provisions. Grassfire risk exists in western Douglas County prairie areas and Elkhorn River corridor. Fire marshal may issue correction orders for hazardous vegetation.
Douglas County is not designated as a high wildfire hazard area. Eastern Nebraska has moderate grassland fire risk but no formal defensible space code. NRS §81-520.01 governs open burning statewide; Omaha Fire Department issues any burn permits.
Open burning in unincorporated Douglas County requires a permit from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal. NDEE seasonal restrictions and county fire district rules also apply.
Consumer fireworks are legal in unincorporated Douglas County. Nebraska state law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1241 et seq.) permits consumer fireworks; no county prohibition applies outside city limits.
Recreational fire pits are generally permitted in unincorporated Douglas County with reasonable precautions. Nebraska State Fire Marshal guidelines and common-sense safety requirements apply.
Douglas County EV charger installations require an electrical permit. Omaha has no specific EV-ready new construction mandate as of 2025, but OPPD offers residential Level 2 rebates. Nebraska has no state EV access law binding HOAs.
Omaha Municipal Code §20-241 et seq. prohibits storing junked, wrecked, or unregistered vehicles on public or private property visible from the street. Tagged vehicles are towed after a 48-hour notice. Nebraska NRS §60-1901 et seq. governs abandoned vehicle procedures statewide.
Omaha does not impose a blanket overnight street parking ban but enforces a 24-hour continuous parking limit and activates emergency snow routes. Vehicles parked on posted snow routes during snow emergencies are towed.
Unincorporated Douglas County follows state traffic laws for road parking. Nebraska's abandoned vehicle law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-680) applies — vehicles must not be abandoned on public roads.
No specific RV or boat parking restrictions exist in unincorporated Douglas County. RVs and boats may generally be parked on private property subject to zoning and nuisance rules.
Driveway and private property parking in unincorporated Douglas County is governed by county zoning rules and state law. Inoperable and junked vehicles on property may constitute nuisances.
No specific commercial vehicle parking restrictions exist for unincorporated Douglas County beyond general nuisance and zoning rules.
Douglas County enforces weed abatement under Omaha Municipal Code §18-81 and the Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §2-945 et seq.). Grass and weeds must be kept under 12 inches. Violations result in city abatement at owner expense with property lien for non-payment.
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in Douglas County. Nebraska has no state restrictions on residential collection. Rain barrels and small cisterns require no permits. Large cisterns may need plumbing permit. Potable use requires treatment.
Omaha actively encourages native prairie and pollinator plantings through the Omaha Stormwater Program and the Metropolitan Utilities District's lawn conversion rebates. Native plantings are permissible under Omaha's weed ordinance when properly designed and maintained.
Artificial turf is permitted on residential property in Omaha and Douglas County with no permit required for installations that do not alter grade or drainage. Turf must drain properly and not shed onto adjoining properties.
Douglas County's Nuisance Regulation prohibits rank and noxious weeds on unincorporated properties. Overgrown vegetation constitutes a nuisance subject to enforcement.
No specific tree trimming ordinance exists in unincorporated Douglas County. Property owners must manage trees that become nuisances or obstruct county roads and right-of-ways.
Water restrictions in the Douglas County area are issued by the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD). Stage-based drought restrictions may apply during dry conditions.
No permit is required to remove trees on private property in unincorporated Douglas County. Trees in county road right-of-ways are county property and may not be removed without authorization.
Douglas County requires building permits for swimming pools, spas, and permanent hot tubs under Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 43 and the 2018 IBC/IRC adopted by Nebraska. GFCI electrical, barrier compliance per IRC Appendix G, and final inspection required before use.
Omaha and Douglas County treat hot tubs and spas under IRC Appendix G/V per NRS §71-6403. An electrical permit is required for the 240V circuit. A locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for a fence barrier.
Residential pools in unincorporated Douglas County must comply with IRC safety standards adopted as part of the county building code. Pools must be enclosed, permitted, and maintained.
Swimming pools in unincorporated Douglas County must comply with Nebraska's IRC-based pool barrier requirements. A 48-inch minimum barrier with self-latching gates is required, along with building permits.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Douglas County are subject to the same IRC-based barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Building permits may be required depending on size.
Douglas County allows backyard chickens in Omaha under Omaha Municipal Code §6-55, with a permit required and a limit of typically 3 hens (no roosters). Coops must meet setback requirements. Larger livestock restricted to agricultural zones in unincorporated Douglas County.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission discourages feeding deer and other wildlife and prohibits baiting for hunting under most circumstances. Omaha Municipal Code addresses wildlife nuisance feeding through public nuisance provisions. Deer feeding violates 163 NAC 4 during chronic wasting disease zones.
Douglas County, Nebraska follows state law on exotic pets, supplemented by Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 6 and enforced countywide by the Nebraska Humane Society. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-477 bans private possession of wolves, skunks, and any Felidae (wild cats) or Ursidae (bears). Omaha additionally prohibits wolf hybrids.
Unincorporated Douglas County does not have a county-wide leash law. Dogs must be under control and not create nuisances; Nebraska state animal control law applies.
Unincorporated Douglas County has no breed-specific legislation. Nebraska state law governs dangerous dogs; no county-level breed bans apply.
Beekeeping is legal across Douglas County, Nebraska but every keeper must obtain a permit from the Douglas County Health Department under Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 6 (Animals), pay a $10 fee, and may be inspected. State-wide, Nebraska's Apiary Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2,165 et seq.) also applies.
Nebraska Cottage Food Act (NRS §81-2,280) permits direct-to-consumer sales of home-prepared foods including baked goods, jams, and — after LB 262 (2024) — many refrigerated and heated foods. Registration with Nebraska Department of Agriculture is free. No revenue cap.
Family Child Care Homes in Nebraska are licensed by DHHS under NRS §71-1911.02. Omaha allows licensed in-home daycare in residential zones as a permitted home occupation. Family Child Care Home I permits up to 10 children, Family Child Care Home II up to 12.
Douglas County's zoning resolution governs commercial signage in unincorporated areas. Home businesses in residential zones should avoid commercial-scale signage that changes the character of the property.
Home-based businesses in unincorporated Douglas County must comply with the Douglas County Zoning Resolution. Zone district use regulations determine what business activities are permitted on residential properties.
No specific customer traffic rule exists for home businesses in unincorporated Douglas County. Zoning and nuisance standards apply if business traffic creates problems.
Douglas County fence materials are governed by Omaha Municipal Code §55 (Zoning) and Douglas County Zoning Resolution. Wood, vinyl, composite, wrought iron, and chain-link are standard. Barbed wire prohibited in residential zones. Electric fences allowed only in agricultural districts.
Omaha and Douglas County require building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall. Walls with surcharge loads require engineered plans regardless of height, per IBC Section 1807.
Omaha requires a 4-foot minimum barrier around residential pools, spas, and hot tubs per IRC Appendix G/V as adopted via NRS §71-6403. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch 54 inches above grade.
Unincorporated Douglas County does not have a specific fence height ordinance. Fence placement must comply with the Douglas County Zoning Resolution setback and visibility requirements.
Fence permits are not generally required in unincorporated Douglas County for standard residential or agricultural fences. Check the DCZR for any zone-specific requirements.
Nebraska's partition fence statute (Neb. Rev. Stat. §34-101) governs shared fences between rural property owners. Neighbor consent is not required but cost-sharing obligations apply.
Omaha and Douglas County do not mandate STR-specific liability insurance, but standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity. Hosts typically need a landlord, commercial, or STR-endorsed policy with $500K to $1M liability coverage.
Omaha STRs must follow standard residential occupancy limits under the adopted International Property Maintenance Code. Nebraska LB 57 (NRS §18-1758) prevents the county from applying stricter STR-only occupancy caps than it applies to other dwellings.
Douglas County does not have a county-level STR registration ordinance for unincorporated areas. STR operators must comply with state tax obligations and applicable zoning rules.
No STR-specific noise rules exist in unincorporated Douglas County. General nuisance standards apply: noise that disturbs neighbors is prohibited.
STR operators in Douglas County must collect 5.5% state sales tax, 1% state lodging tax, and 4% Douglas County lodging tax — totaling 10.5% for properties outside Omaha city limits.
No STR-specific parking regulations exist in unincorporated Douglas County. General zoning and county road rules apply.
Omaha requires a building permit for carports regardless of size. Side and rear setbacks generally match the accessory-structure standard (5 ft). Lot coverage limits apply under Omaha zoning Chapter 55.
Foundation-built tiny homes in Douglas County must meet IRC 2018 with Appendix Q for dwellings under 400 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings except in licensed RV parks. Omaha Ordinance 43728 (2024) expanded ADU allowances.
ADUs in unincorporated Douglas County are subject to the Douglas County Zoning Resolution. No statewide ADU mandate exists in Nebraska. Zone district and lot size requirements apply.
Sheds and accessory buildings in unincorporated Douglas County must comply with DCZR setback requirements. Building permits may be required for larger structures.
Garage conversions in unincorporated Douglas County require building permits and must meet IRC habitability standards. Parking minimums per the DCZR must still be maintained.
Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Douglas County. Nebraska law prohibits recreational marijuana cultivation. Medical marijuana was approved by voters in November 2024 (Initiatives 437/438) but implementation is pending and does not clearly authorize home grow. Penalties include felony charges for larger grows.
Recreational cannabis dispensaries are prohibited in Nebraska. Medical marijuana dispensaries were authorized by Initiatives 437/438 in November 2024 but implementation and zoning rules are under development by the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission. CBD/hemp products with under 0.3% THC remain legal through regular retail.
City of Omaha requires rental property registration under Municipal Code Chapter 48 Article XII. Unincorporated Douglas County does not have a county-level rental registration program. Annual registration fee and periodic code compliance inspections apply inside Omaha.
Douglas County follows Nebraska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. No just-cause requirement — month-to-month tenancies may be terminated with 30 days' notice without stating a reason. For-cause evictions (non-payment, lease violation) follow faster statutory timelines.
Douglas County has no rent control. Nebraska state law does not authorize municipal rent control under Dillon's Rule, so rents in Omaha and unincorporated Douglas County are set at market rate with no cap on increases.
Douglas County/Omaha restricts food truck vending locations with distance rules from brick-and-mortar restaurants and schools. Private property vending requires property owner permission and may need a zoning use permit. Designated vending zones exist around Old Market, Aksarben Village, and Baxter Arena events.
Douglas County food trucks require Omaha mobile food vendor permits plus Douglas County Health Department food service permits. Annual fees plus vehicle and equipment inspection. Commissary agreement required. Omaha hosts a strong food truck scene at Aksarben Village, Benson, and Old Market events.
Omaha prohibits outdoor lighting that causes unreasonable glare or illumination on neighboring properties under nuisance provisions of Omaha Muni Code Ch. 18 and Ch. 55. Security lights must be aimed and shielded. Commercial properties face measured foot-candle limits at residential boundaries.
Omaha regulates outdoor lighting under Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 55 zoning provisions. Fully shielded fixtures required for new commercial installations. Light trespass onto adjacent residential property prohibited. Color temperature increasingly required at 3000K or below.
Douglas County stormwater management is governed by Omaha's NDEE MS4 permit and Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 31. New construction requires stormwater management plans. Papillion Creek and Missouri River watersheds are primary receiving waters. Post-construction BMP maintenance required.
Douglas County has no ocean coast but regulates development near the Missouri River, Papillion Creek system, Elkhorn River, and various lakes. Riparian buffers, floodplain restrictions under FEMA, and federal wetland permits apply. Nebraska has no coastal zone management program.
Douglas County erosion control is governed by Omaha Muni Code Ch. 31 and NDEE Construction Stormwater General Permit (NPDES). Sites disturbing 1+ acre require Notice of Intent and SWPPP. Silt fence, construction entrances, and sediment basins standard. Inspections enforce compliance.
Douglas County grading and drainage is regulated under Omaha Muni Code Ch. 31 and Ch. 43. Grading permits required for excavation/fill over 50 cubic yards. Drainage cannot be redirected onto neighboring properties. Retaining walls over 4 feet need engineering. Papio-Missouri NRD regulates channel work.
Douglas County participates in FEMA's NFIP. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas require floodplain development permits and must meet elevation requirements under county floodplain management regulations.
Omaha requires vacant lot owners to control weeds, mow grass under 12 inches, remove trash, and secure the site. Omaha Municipal Code §18-8 and the Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act (NRS §§2-945 to 2-970) apply. City may abate and lien costs against the property.
Omaha requires property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending under Omaha Municipal Code §32-12. Clear path of at least 36 inches wide required. Failure triggers city abatement with billing.
Omaha property maintenance code requires garage sales to maintain neat appearance during and after sales. Items must be removed from public view at end of each sale day. Signs must be removed within 24 hours of sale's end to prevent blight.
Omaha enforces blight through the Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 48) using the adopted International Property Maintenance Code. Violations include peeling paint, broken windows, junk accumulation, and abandoned vehicles. Nebraska LB 562 (2021) expanded municipal blight abatement tools.
Omaha requires trash and recycling carts (provided by the city's contracted hauler) to be stored out of public view between collection days and placed at the curb no earlier than the evening before pickup. Bins must be retrieved within 24 hours.
Omaha does not have a formal heritage tree designation program but protects significant trees in historic districts (Field Club, Gold Coast), Fontenelle Forest, and city arboretums. Significant street trees receive enhanced protection under Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 26 through Omaha Parks Forestry.
Omaha regulates tree removal in the public right-of-way under Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 26. Private property tree removal generally does not require a permit unless the tree is in a protected overlay district. Street trees are managed by Omaha Parks Forestry and cannot be removed by residents.
Omaha requires street tree replacement by the Parks Forestry Division when trees are removed from public right-of-way. Private tree replacement is not mandated except in subdivision developments and historic districts. Emerald ash borer response has driven large-scale replacement.
Commercial drone operators in Douglas County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Omaha's Class C airspace and Offutt AFB's Class D require LAANC authorization. City filming permits may be required for commercial drone photography in public spaces.
Recreational drone operation in Douglas County follows FAA rules (49 USC §44809) and Nebraska state law. Omaha parks generally prohibit drone launches. Offutt AFB Class D airspace covers southeast Douglas County requiring LAANC authorization. No flying over Memorial Stadium on game days.
Omaha limits garage and yard sales to approximately 3 to 4 per household per year under zoning interpretation of Omaha Muni Code Ch. 55. Each sale is typically 2 to 3 days. Exceeding limits triggers home business or retail zoning enforcement.
Omaha does not require a permit for occasional garage or yard sales. Sales must comply with signage, frequency, and time restrictions under Omaha Muni Code. Sales resembling retail businesses trigger zoning violations.
Omaha garage sales are typically held 8 AM to 6 PM. Sales must not violate noise quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM). Signs should follow Omaha Muni Code sign rules and be removed within 24 hours of sale end.
Douglas County/Omaha residents must place trash and recycling bins at the curb with lids closed by 6 AM on collection day. Bins must be retrieved within 24 hours of pickup and stored out of public view between collections.
Douglas County/Omaha provides curbside recycling in 96-gallon carts for paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, steel, and plastics #1-#2. Plastic bags and film are NOT accepted curbside but go to store drop-offs. Contaminated bins are tagged and skipped.
Douglas County/Omaha residents can dispose of bulk items by appointment through the Omaha Solid Waste Division or at the Pheasant Point Landfill and Under the Sink hazardous materials facility. Appliances require refrigerant removal certification.
Douglas County residents in Omaha receive weekly curbside trash and recycling through the Omaha Solid Waste Division's contract with FCC Environmental Services. Pickup day is assigned by address. Bins must be out by 6 AM on collection day.
Door-to-door solicitors in Douglas County must obtain a Solicitor/Peddler permit from the Omaha City Clerk. Background check and badge required. Hours limited to 9 AM to 9 PM. Religious and political canvassers exempt under First Amendment.
Omaha maintains a no-knock registry for residents who opt out of door-to-door sales. Posted No Soliciting signs are legally enforceable. Solicitors ignoring registered addresses or posted signs face fines and permit revocation. Religious and political canvassers exempt.
Omaha parks close from 11 PM to 5 AM under Omaha Municipal Code §22-4. Memorial Park, Elmwood Park, Hanscom Park, Zorinsky Lake, and Standing Bear Lake all enforce closing hours. Unauthorized presence is a trespassing violation. Camping prohibited in parks.
Douglas County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Douglas County building setbacks are governed by Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 55 (Zoning). Typical R-4 residential setbacks: 25 ft front, 5 ft side, 25 ft rear. Accessory structures reduced to 3 ft rear/side. Corner lots have increased setbacks. Variances through Omaha Planning Board.
Omaha zoning code limits lot coverage by zoning district under Omaha Muni Code Ch. 55. R-4 single-family typically allows 40% building coverage. Total impervious coverage limits apply in stormwater-regulated areas. Permeable surfaces may receive partial credit.
Omaha building height limits are set by Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 55. R-4 single-family zones limit structures to 35 feet. Chimneys and antennas may exceed up to 10 feet. Commercial and downtown zones allow greater heights. Height variances through Omaha Zoning Board of Appeals.
Omaha permits temporary garage sale signs on private property with posting windows before and after the sale. Signs on utility poles, traffic signs, or in the public right-of-way are prohibited and subject to removal by Public Works.
Omaha allows political signs on private property with size limits under Municipal Code §55-735. Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited. Content-neutral regulation applies per Reed v. Town of Gilbert.
Douglas County and Omaha generally allow holiday decorations on residential property without a permit. Displays must not obstruct sight triangles, create fire hazards, or violate noise rules. HOA rules may impose additional limits.
Nebraska has no solar rights statute — HOAs in Douglas County may restrict or prohibit solar panels under CC&Rs. Homeowners should review the declaration and obtain architectural approval before installing.
Omaha requires building and electrical permits for residential solar installations under the 2018 IRC/IBC as adopted. Plans must show structural capacity, fire setbacks, and interconnection to OPPD. Expedited solar permitting is available.