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Lincoln, NE Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.35.080
Applies to
B-4 Lincoln Center Business District
South Haymarket subarea
West of 9th Street, south of O Street
Last amended
Ordinance 20466, February 13, 2017
Original adoption
Ordinance 12571, May 8, 1979

Summary

Lincoln requires every building permit in the B-4 Lincoln Center Business District to comply with adopted Downtown and subarea Design Standards, including the stricter South Haymarket Design Standards for a defined area near 9th and O Streets.

Each application for a building permit shall be reviewed for compliance with the Lincoln Downtown and other subarea Design Standards as adopted from time to time. a. The area of the B-4 District from 150 feet west of 9th Street to the western boundary of the B-4 District and south of O Street shall be reviewed for compliance with the South Haymarket Design Standards.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.35.080 requires every building permit application in the B-4 Lincoln Center Business District to be reviewed for compliance with the city's Lincoln Downtown and other subarea Design Standards, adopted and updated from time to time by ordinance. A carved-out area of the B-4 District, running from 150 feet west of 9th Street to the district's western boundary and south of O Street, is held to the separate South Haymarket Design Standards. The requirement traces to Ordinance 12571 (1979) and was last amended by Ordinance 20466 in 2017.

Violations & Fines

Building permits in the affected B-4 area that don't meet the applicable Design Standards can be denied by the city's Building & Safety Department until plans are revised to comply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Downtown Design Standard apply outside the B-4 district?
No. Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.35.080 applies only within the B-4 Lincoln Center Business District, with a stricter South Haymarket sub-area carved out south of O Street and west of 9th Street.
What happens if a downtown building permit doesn't meet the Design Standards?
The city reviews every B-4 building permit application against the adopted Design Standards before issuing it, so noncompliant plans are held up until they're revised.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsDensity Bonus LawSome 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

Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska zoning overlays & bonuses overview

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