Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (2026) § 15-94
ABANDONED WELLS AND CISTERNS
Operative Text
Every owner of a dwelling which contains an abandoned well or cistern on the premises shall upon notice from the Permits and Inspections Department close and fill them in a proper manner. This shall not apply to wells and cisterns which are sealed in a proper manner so that entrance thereto can be had only through the use of proper tools. (Code 1964, § 12A-6)
Under Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15, art. IV § 15-94, property owners with abandoned wells or cisterns on their premises are required to close and fill those features in an appropriate manner once notified by the Permits and Inspections Department. The obligation does not apply to wells or cisterns that are already properly sealed so that access requires the use of specialized tools. This provision is aimed at eliminating open or accessible abandoned water features that could pose safety hazards on residential properties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15, art. IV § 15-94 places the responsibility for abandoned wells and cisterns squarely on the property owner. Compliant operators typically inspect their premises for any abandoned wells or cisterns and either ensure those features are properly sealed against unauthorized entry or arrange for them to be closed and filled upon receiving notice from the Permits and Inspections Department. Keeping documentation of any sealing or fill work performed can help demonstrate compliance if questions arise during future inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15, art. IV § 15-94 establishes that the owner of a dwelling bears responsibility for properly addressing abandoned wells or cisterns on the property. If a tenant believes an abandoned well or cistern on their rental property poses a safety concern and has not been properly sealed or filled, they may consider reporting the condition to the Bellevue Permits and Inspections Department, which is the body authorized to issue notice to owners under this provision. Tenants can also consult a local tenant-rights organization to better understand what options may be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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