Check out these upcoming events at Crete Public Library. (specific age groups or pre-registration where noted.) Contact library staff for more information. (Click the gallery for more images)

Upcoming Programs:

• Literary Pumpkin Contest, the entire month of October: From October 1–24, kids, teens, and adults are invited to decorate a pumpkin inspired by a beloved book, character, or author. Paint it, dress it up, or give it some googly eyes—the only rule is to let your imagination run wild. (Please, no cutting or carving your pumpkin.)
• Spring Creek Prairie Birding Adventure, Tuesday, Oct. 14. Bus rides will leave the library at 9:30 a.m. for a morning of bird watching at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center near Denton. Call the library to reserve a spot.
• Adult Craft Night - Soy Candle Making, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. Limited spots available. $5 fee and call the library to register.
• Library Fall Festival, Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Enjoy pumpkin painting, an exciting scavenger hunt, festive crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. This family-friendly event is free and open to all ages—come make memories, get creative, and celebrate fall at the library.
• Home Safety Program with Crete Fire & Rescue and Crete Police Department, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. Learn home safety tips from local fire and police personnel.
• Musician Dan Holtz, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 1:30 p.m. Celebrate and commemorate people, places, and events in Nebraska history through original songs; a Nebraska Humanities presentation.

• Dinosaur Tea Party Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a dino-mite morning filled with fun activities and prehistoric surprises. Sip on warm apple cider and munch on snacks while you dig into hands-on fun—literally. Try your hand at breaking open fossils to uncover hidden treasures, and create your very own dinosaur friend to take home. It’s the perfect mix of science, creativity, and cozy fall fun.

Recurring events:

• Mommy & Me Art Cafe, Mondays through April, 10-11 a.m. Join other new moms for a relaxing hour of art, conversation, and connection—no art skills (or clean shirts) required. Each session lasts one hour. Come meet fellow moms, get inspired, and enjoy a little “you” time—with baby in tow. For moms with babies 12 months & under. 
• Maker Mondays, 1st Monday of the month through April, 4-5 p.m. No registration required. Ages: 5–11 years old. Drop in and explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, and art activities at your own pace! We’ll have plenty of supplies and a variety of exciting activities for kids to choose from—experiment, build, create, and discover.
• Teen Nights, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. For teens ages 12-17. Each week, teens can drop in for a variety of fun activities—movies, crafts, science nights, game nights, and more! Come hang out, try something new, and connect with friends. No registration or sign-up required. 
• Tea and Threads: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.; Laid-back atmosphere, friendly conversation, and creative inspiration for those who crochet, from seasoned pros to beginners.
• Tai Chi Classes for Adults 55+, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Tai Chiu is gentle, low impact exercise, perfect for enhancing mobility, reducing stress, and connecting with others in a welcoming environment. $2 per class. Call the library to sign-up.
• All Ages Chess Club, Wednesdays at 4 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome—whether you’re a beginner just learning the moves or an experienced player looking for a good match. Two of our chess-loving librarians will be there to teach, play, and share the fun.
• Story Times start in September for the school year (schedule may be adjusted for holidays): Toddlers (ages 0-2) on Wednesdays and Preschool (ages 3-5) on Thursdays; both at 10 a.m.

Check out the library's book clubs:

• Thursday night Murder Club, Flights of Fantasy, Timeless Tales, Whispered Pages (silent book club)

Current library hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• (Monday-Friday - Drive-thru window opens 8:30 a.m.)
• Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Crete Public Library
1515 Forest Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809
crete.library@crete.ne.gov

Crete Recreation program signup for "Kickin' It" with Gold Star Martial Arts is open through Friday, Oct. 24. No late registrations are accepted.

Registration forms are available online (RecDesk) or in the Recreation Office at City Hall.

"Kickin' It" with Gold Star Martial Arts, in cooperation with Crete Parks and Recreation, is an introductory martial arts program. During the five week program, participants will be exposed to the fundamental elements of martial arts. An emphasis will be placed on having fun while learning self defense and bullying prevention skills. Current liability waivers are required.

• dates: Sunday afternoons - Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• class time 3:30 p.m.; 45 minutes classes
• ages 5 & up
• location: Gold Star Martial Arts, 142 West 13th St
• Cost - $45

Parks & Recreation Department 
402.826.4315

Crete Police Department 
Police Station - 1945 Forest Avenue
Business Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Records Office: 402.826.6422

Mary Klahn, Police Administrative Assistant
mary.klahn@crete.ne.gov

The Crete Police Department is Crete’s Animal Control Authority and enforces Chapter 6, Article 1 of the City Code. The key to animal control is owner responsibility. The city asks residents to: Please keep your animals under your control and make sure your domestic dogs and cats have appropriate identification tags.

(Information on impounded pets is at the end of this article.)

Owning and/or Keeping Animals

Owners are responsible for their animal(s).  Anyone who provides food, water or shelter to a stray or feral animal becomes its owner and is responsible for the animal and any offspring; this includes ensuring proper vaccinations, licensing, control, etc. (§6-103 [24], [29], [30]). City Code - Chapter 6, Article 1, Animals Generally

• Permitted Animals: The city allows the following animals within city limits: domestic dogs and cats and other domestic animals limited to aquarium fish, domestic amphibians, domestic birds (parrot, cockatoo, parakeet, canary, mynah, or lovebird), domestic rabbits, domestic reptiles (nonvenomous, non-constricting snakes less than four feet in length), domestic rodents, and domestic ferrets.  Possession of other animals is prohibited. (§6-103[14], [34]; §6-104 to §6-107) 
• Collar and Metallic Tags: Every domestic dog and cat and every service animal must wear a collar and have a rabies certification tag (issued by the owner’s veterinarian). On a separate tag (or on the reverse of one of the other tags) the city requires the owner’s name.
• Owner’s Control/Animals Running At-Large: Owners are responsible for controlling their domestic dogs and cats. These animals may not run-at-large in Crete regardless of where an owner or the animal may reside. ((§6-105, §6-108.09, §6-110 to §6-110.03)
• Service Animals: The City supports the lawful use and care of service animals recognized by state law. Owners of animals which do not receive such recognition must adhere to all City Codes which pertain to such animals. (§6-112 to §6-112.02)
• Pet Recreation in Crete
  • Crete Waggin’ Tail Dog Park is on 3 acres at the corner of East 13th Street (West Sprague Rd.) and County Road 2400. Two large fenced areas each have a water hydrant and bowls, benches, and a shade pergola with table. The park is open from dawn to dusk and patrons are asked to adhere to the rules posted at the entrance. 
  • Wildwood Pool’s last day of the season in early August includes a Pooch Pool Party where owners are welcome to bring their dogs for an hour of swimming.

Impounded Animals & Animal Violations

At times, the city will impound or even hold animals. Owners wishing to retrieve their animal must do so within a short period of time, five business days. Before an impounded animal can be released, owners must 1) present a valid rabies vaccination certificate or pay for their animal to be properly vaccinated; 2) pay all associated impound fees and costs. Animals not claimed after the holding period are transported to the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln where further inquiries should be made.

• Visit or call the police station administrative assistant at 402.826.6422 to determine the proper fines/fees and to confirm the animal’s current rabies vaccination. If records are unavailable, the owner must provide proof of rabies and/or license the animal prior to release.   
• Upon receipt of the proper fines/fees (or proper fees w/ referral for prosecution), confirmation of current rabies vaccination and confirmation of animal license (if appropriate), the Administrative Assistant will arrange a time for the owner to retrieve the animal from impound. 

• Please call or email if you need assistance with this process.

• City Master Fee Schedule: A comprehensive list of all city fees for services, permits, utilities, and programs across all departments and offices. View the Master Fee Schedule

• If completing this process over the phone, fees may be paid online: The administrative assistant will provide a reference number to the animal owner. This number is necessary to ensure the proper tracking of payments. 
• Go to Payment Options for releasing an impounded animal held by the Crete Police Department.

Owners who are in violation of other Animal Regulations may receive a citation and appear in court, should they desire. In most circumstances, owners may be permitted to pay the applicable fines. The city does not retain these fines. By law, these are passed to other governmental agencies.

• Owners of an animal who has inflicted injury or damaged property may pay fees but will not be allowed to pay fines. In these circumstances, the owner will be referred for prosecution so that the court may consider possible restitution.  

• Animals that have bitten someone or caused an abrasion to the skin may be held for a 10 day observation period if no proof of current rabies vaccination is available. 

Departments of Public Works
Trenton Griffin, Municipal Building Inspector

City Hall - Crete, Nebraska
243 East 13th Street
P.O. Box 86
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.4312
trenton.griffin@crete.ne.gov

City Hall is open Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Municipal Building Inspector’s Office is located on the first floor. An elevator is accessible from the ground floor entrance on the south side of the building.

The International Building Code (IBC) 2018, International Residential Code (IRC) 2018, International Property Maintenance Code 2009, Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) 2018 - with Lincoln Amendments, National Electric Code 2014, International Mechanical Code 2018, and National Fire Code (NFPA), as adopted in City Code, are enforced within the city limits of Crete and the two mile zoning jurisdiction. Enforcement of the provisions of the municipal Code pertaining to building construction and repair and collection of fees is the responsibility of the Municipal Building Inspector, Trenton Griffin.

Building Permits & Inspections

The City of Crete, Nebraska requires building permits if you plan to construct, erect, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or dwelling. Applications for the appropriate building permit and applicable fees are filed with the building inspector. Each application for permit must be in writing and include the following:

• Legal description of the land on which the construction, relocation or demolition is to occur
• Nature of the use or occupancy of the building
• Dimensions
• Estimated cost
• Names of owner, architect, and contractor

The Building Inspector will inspect, as often as necessary, any building which is being constructed, altered, repaired or relocated to determine if the work being done is in conformity with all Municipal building and housing regulations.

• The City Building Inspector can write citations for building code violations.

• Homeowners and property owners/occupants should make sure contractors working on their property are licensed and additionally licensed (specifically plumbing) to work in the City of Crete, through the Building Inspector's Office. Unlicensed contractors risk being cited and removed from projects.

Click on the links below to download forms (pdf):

• Building Permit Form - Commercial
• Building Permit Form - Residential
• Certificate of Zoning Compliance
• Plumbing Permit Form
• Plumbers License Renewal 2025
• Mechanical Permit Form
• Fence Permit Form   |   Fence Constuction Brochure
• City of Crete Pool Safety Requirements
• Sign Permit
• Curb Cut Permit
• Street Closure Application
• Demolition Application
• Well Permit Form
• Right-of-way Permit
• Septic System Permit
• House Moving Permit
• Mobile Home Placement Permit
• Application For Variance
• Floodplain Development Permit Application
• Sidewalk Cafe Permit application and checklist (For more information on the this permit, see City Clerk's section.)
• Land Development - Planning and Zoning Application
• U.S. Department of Energy - Building Energy Codes Program
  • Residential - REScheck
  • Commercial - COMcheck

For Business Registrations and these local permits see the City Clerk's Office:

• City business registration - annually and new businesses
• Fireworks sales permits
• Mobile Food Vendor permits
• Itinerant sales permits (door-to-door sales, peddler's permit)
• Liquor license - special events permits
• Special Event Permit
• Prohibited Animal Permit
• ATV and UTV use in city limits
• Additional permits related to city ordinances

The City of Crete Department of Public Works, in partnership with its wholesale electric power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, is continuing to provide five energy efficiency programs to assist in lowering energy costs for local utility customers through energy efficiency improvements.

All five programs offer cash incentives to make energy efficient upgrades in the areas of insulation, cooling systems, home thermostats, high efficiency heat pump, and commercial lighting. Here is a rundown of the four programs:

• High Efficiency Heat Pump Program: The program provides cash incentives from $400 to $3,000 to residential homeowners who are installing a new heat pump system to their residential single-family dwelling.
• Smart Thermostat Program: Provides a cash incentive of up to $100 paid directly to residential customers to help cover the cost of installing a qualifying smart thermostat. 
• Attic Insulation Program: Provides cash incentives of $0.15 / per square foot with a maximum incentive of $300 per existing residential dwelling for attic insulation. 
• Cooling System Tune-Up Program: Provides a $30 cash incentive to residential homeowners who have their cooling system tuned up by a HVAC contractor, regardless of what type or age of cooling system (air conditioner/air or water source heat pump).
• Commercial LED Lighting Program: Provides cash incentives paid directly to commercial customers to help cover the cost of interior lighting upgrades and replacements.

These programs are available to customers of the City of Crete through its wholesale power partnership with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. For more information on these programs, contact the Utility Office at City Hall, 402.826.4312, or go online to download program guidelines and application forms.

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
(Utility Office ground floor main entrance on south side)
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.4312

Q.  When do I need a building permit?

A.  The City of Crete requires building permits if you plan to construct, erect, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or dwelling. Some examples would be replacing a water heater, furnace or air conditioner.      

Q.  Where do I get a building permit?

A.  Permits are issued through the Building Inspector's office on the 1st floor of Crete City Hall at 243 East 13th Street. City Hall is open Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. An elevator is accessible from the ground floor entrance on the south side of the building. Permits can be downloaded from this site and returned to City Hall.

Q.  Why get a building permit?

A.  The Building Inspector will do inspections to make sure construction codes are adhered to for the health and safety of the owner and the general public.

Q.  How long does it take to get a permit?

A.   Simple permits like a fence or shed usually can be issued immediately. Permits for homes and larger commercial projects need to be reviewed and could take from 1 to 10 days.

Q.  What do I need to bring to get a building permit?

A.   A plan showing the 4 corners of your lot and the location you are putting the building or addition. If it’s a new home or commercial building we need 3 copies of the plan with construction details. You’ll also need to fill out a building permit form, which can be obtained online or in the Building Inspector’s office. 

Q.  Do I need a permit to build a fence or a garden shed?

A.   Yes, there are building codes that determine where you place them and the size they can be.

Q.  Do I need a permit for a sign?

A.   Yes, the city has regulations on sign placement, types and sizes.

Q.  Can I have construction or landscaping materials placed on my street, sidewalk or in the alley during a project?

A.   City code states rock, gravel, dirt, construction material, litter, and/or containers thereof cannot be placed upon any street, alley, right-of-way, or sidewalk without prior permission from the Department of Public Works.

Q.  Where can I find information on local energy efficiency programs?

A.   Currently, the City of Crete in partnership with its wholesale electric power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, is continuing to provide five energy efficiency programs to assist in lowering energy costs for local utility customers through energy efficiency improvements.

City Hall is open Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Municipal Building Inspector’s Office is located on the first floor. An elevator is accessible from the ground floor entrance on the south side of the building. Find more information from the Building Inspector's Office