Nebraska2026Did Not Pass

LB1041

Rules for Building Small Homes Next to Single-Family Houses

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:18 AM

In one sentence

This bill requires cities, villages, and counties in Nebraska to allow at least one small extra home on the same lot as a single-family house while limiting what rules local governments can add.

Requires cities, villages, and counties to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on lots with single-family homes.
Sets a size limit for ADUs of either 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main house size, whichever is larger.
Prohibits local governments from requiring owners to live in the home or restricting who can rent the unit based on family ties, income, or age.
Stops cities and counties from demanding extra parking spaces, special fees, or different building designs for ADUs compared to single-family homes.
Mandates that permit applications be approved without a hearing if they meet state rules within the same time frame as regular home permits.

The bill does not apply if historic preservation rules, deed restrictions, or homeowners' association rules already limit construction.
Manufactured homes used as ADUs must be placed on permanent foundations and taxed like real property.
Local governments can still require separate utility lines only if a shared metering system cannot provide full access.

Plain language

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): An extra home on the same lot as a single-family house that can be attached to it, detached from it, or part of another structure like a garage.
Single-Family Residence: A building used as one separate home for people who live together in a household.

Official record

Source attached

Provide requirements for cities, villages, and counties relating to accessory dwelling units

Official activity