NebraskaNebraska local governments would allow extra homes on single-family lots
If enacted, the bill would require Nebraska cities, villages, and counties to allow extra homes on single-family lots and review qualifying permits on the usual schedule.
What it does
Cities, villages, and counties would have to allow at least one extra home on a single-family lot. Building rules, size limits, historic-property rules, and certain private restrictions would still apply.
Local governments could not apply stricter rules to these extra homes for design, rentals, parking, or who may live there. They could require separate utility lines if full service with separate billing meters is unavailable.
Local governments would have to review qualifying permit applications on the usual schedule for a single-family home, without a hearing or discretionary review. Any denial would need written reasons and a path to approval.
Argument forHomeowners could add another home on their lot, and renters might have more housing choices because local rules could not require owner residency or extra parking.
Argument againstLocal officials could have less room to set housing rules, and qualifying permit applications would move ahead without a hearing or discretionary review.
More detail
Cities, villages, and counties would have to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit on a single-family home's lot. An accessory dwelling unit is an additional home on the same lot as a single-family home. It may be attached or separate, including within a detached garage. The unit would have to follow building rules and be no larger than 1,000 square feet or half the main home's size, whichever is larger. Historic-property rules and certain deed, homeowners' association, or condominium association restrictions could limit or prohibit the unit. A manufactured or mobile home used as the unit would need a permanent foundation and real-property tax assessment.
Cities, villages, and counties could not impose listed rules on an accessory dwelling unit that are stricter than those for the single-family home on the same lot. These rules would apply to accessory dwelling units on the same lot as a single-family home in city, village, or county areas. The limits cover placement and appearance, rentals, parking, occupancy, impact fees, and required street or sidewalk work. Local governments could not require the owner to live on the property, a family or work relationship between occupants, or occupancy limits based on age or income. A city or county could require separate utility lines if full utility service with separate billing meters cannot be provided. Other state law and the bill's allowance conditions still apply.
Cities, villages, and counties would have to approve qualifying accessory dwelling unit permits without a hearing or discretionary review. This would apply to accessory dwelling unit permit applications submitted to a city, village, or county. Applications would have to meet state law and the bill's conditions for the unit. Review could not take longer than the usual schedule for approving a single-family home. If an application were denied, the local government would have to give written reasons and explain what changes could secure approval.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Postponed indefinitely
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 17Indefinitely postponedPostponed indefinitely
- Feb 27Placed on General File with AM2172Minor
- Feb 27Urban Affairs AM2172 filedMinor
- Jan 27Notice of hearing for February 03, 2026
- Jan 16Referred to Urban Affairs CommitteeMinor
- Jan 15Kauth FA700 filedMinor
- Jan 14Date of introductionIntroduced
Housing