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1. What does the Planning Department do?

The Planning Department provides technical information and advice to elected and appointed boards and citizens on the appropriate use of land for private and public purposes. The Planning Director is appointed by the Mayor with the concurrence of the City Council.

The Planning Department is responsible for developing and maintaining the Comprehensive Plan for Papillion, maintaining zoning and subdivision regulations of the city and processing development applications that involve those regulations each year. The department's customers include the Mayor, the city elected boards, various city departments, state and federal agency officials, land developers and their agents and the general public. The Planning Department is responsible for staffing the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment.

2. Where is the department located and what hours are you open?

The Planning Department is in the City Building, which is located at:
122 E 3rd Street
Papillion, Nebraska 68046

It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. The phone number is 402-597-2077 and the fax number is 402-597-2074. Phone messages left after hours will be returned the next business day. Those with specific questions requiring in-person meetings are asked to make appointments by contacting the Planning Assistant at 402-597-2077.

3. I think my neighbor is using his property illegally according to the zoning rules. Where do I make a complaint?

One of the duties of the Planning Department and Building Department is to enforce the zoning ordinance. To report a violation, call the Planning Department at 402-597-2077.

4. What can I do if my neighbor is trying to change the zoning on his/her property and I don't like his/her plans?

First, you can contact the applicant directly to discuss your concerns. You have the right to comment on any application filed. You can comment in person by testifying at the official public hearing or in writing or by fax or email prior to the hearing.

5. How can I get a map and/or aerial photo that shows the area around the property I am looking to purchase?

If you visit our office, a Planning Department staff member will be glad to assist you in finding out more about any parcel of land in which you may have an interest.

6. How can I tell if my property is inside or outside the city limits?

You may contact the Planning Department by phone at 402-597-2077. If you need verification that the property is outside the City limits, please include the address and legal description of the property. The City limits also appear on the zoning map (PDF).

7. How do I find out the zoning designation on my property and my neighbor's property?

Check the zoning map.  Then go to Zoning Regulations and select the chapter containing the rules for your district. If you have questions, call the Planning Department at 402-597-2077.

Some areas have "overlay" districts that impose additional restrictions on the use of the land. These districts include Floodplain/Floodway, Highway, and Public District. Citizens may call the numbers listed above to ask which overlays may apply to their property.

Sometimes lenders require zoning "verification" or "certification" letters when you are selling or financing property. The information required can vary from a simple statement of the current zoning classification on the property and what uses are permitted in that zone to a detailed evaluation of the conformance of the uses and improvements on the property to the zoning rules. The City may, in some cases, prepare letters of this type; to determine if this is possible contact 402-597-2077.

View the

zoning map (PDF).