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Douglas County officials waiving permit fees as residents look to rebuild after tornadoes

By Scott Koperski , Digital News Content Producer, Nebraska Public Media

May 7, 2024, 1 p.m. ·

Debris from tornado
Severe tornado damage was reported in eastern Nebraska following April 26, 2024, tornadoes. Pictured here is debris cleaned up in Waverly. (Photo by Jolie Peal/Nebraska Public Media News)

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved waiving building permit fees for tornado-damaged properties in the area during its Tuesday meeting.

Permit fees will be waived in Bennington, Waterloo, and unincorporated areas of Douglas County in response to the April 26 tornadoes.

“We do this because we see the need,” Douglas County Board Chairman Roger Garcia said in a press release. “We want to help the citizens who are recovering, rebuilding, and going through this natural disaster.”

Property owners will still need permits for demolition.

Kent Holm, director of Douglas County Environmental Services, said in a press release that while fees are waived, the process of obtaining a permit is still needed.

Anyone who resides in the area and has permit questions is asked to call 402-444-7189.

The Board also approved extending free storm debris drop-off at the Pheasant Point Landfill through Saturday, May 11.