ADU Rules in Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha substantially changed its accessory dwelling unit rules in March 2024. Older summaries that describe ADUs as generally unavailable in low-density districts or that use a single citywide size/setback formula are no longer reliable.

Where ADUs Are Allowed

The City of Omaha's current Housing Affordability Action Plan states:

Permitted by right

ADUs are permitted in:

• R5
• R-WRN
• R6
• R7
• R8
• MH
• NBD
• CBD
• DS
• TOD

Conditional Use required

An ADU requires a Conditional Use Permit in:

• AG
• DR
• R1
• R2
• R3
• R4
• LO
• GO
• LC
• CC
• GC

The current zoning framework is found in Omaha Municipal Code §55-763.

Number of ADUs

The current §55-763 framework allows one ADU per site.

Parking

The City of Omaha's current housing-affordability summary states that the revised code does not require additional parking for an ADU.

What This Page Does Not Assume

This guide does not repeat the older template values of:

• 800 sq ft maximum;
• 20 ft maximum height;
• 5 ft side/rear setback;
• mandatory owner occupancy; or
• a 4–8 week permit timeline.

Those values should not be treated as current citywide rules without a current code section supporting them.

Verify the Parcel

1. Identify the parcel's zoning district.
2. Determine whether the ADU is by-right or requires Conditional Use.
3. Apply current §55-763 site-development standards.
4. Confirm building-permit requirements with Omaha Planning.

Official Sources

City of Omaha Housing Affordability Action Plan — ADUs

Omaha Code of Ordinances

Disclaimer: Verify the current zoning text and permit process before relying on an ADU design.