Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

26 Jun 2025 --
0 Comments

Overview of Nebraska Administrative Code — Landscape Architects

The NAC rules for Landscape Architects regulate the practice of landscape architecture in Nebraska. They cover:

Licensing and registration requirements

Professional conduct and ethics

Continuing education and renewal

Scope of practice and project standards

Enforcement, complaints, and disciplinary actions

The purpose is to protect the public by ensuring competent, ethical, and safe practice of landscape architecture.

Key Provisions

1. Licensing Requirements

Individuals must pass an approved examination to become a licensed landscape architect.

Applicants must demonstrate education and experience in landscape architecture.

Only licensed individuals can use the title “Landscape Architect” in Nebraska.

2. Professional Conduct

Landscape architects must practice with honesty, integrity, and competence.

Conflicts of interest must be disclosed.

Practitioners must avoid misrepresentation of services or qualifications.

3. Continuing Education

Licensees must complete a specified number of continuing education hours during each renewal period.

Education must be related to landscape architecture or professional development.

4. Scope of Practice

Licensed landscape architects may prepare designs, plans, and specifications for landscapes, parks, gardens, urban spaces, and related projects.

They may supervise construction and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Work outside the defined scope, such as structural engineering without a license, is prohibited.

5. Enforcement and Discipline

Violations can lead to:

Fines or monetary penalties

License suspension or revocation

Reprimands or probation

Grounds for discipline include:

Practicing without a license

Negligence or incompetence

Fraud or misrepresentation

Failure to follow safety or environmental standards

Illustrative Case-Style Examples

Here are six detailed, hypothetical cases illustrating how NAC rules for landscape architects are applied:

Case 1 — Practicing Without a License

Situation: An individual advertises landscape architectural services in Nebraska without being licensed.
Relevant Rule: Only licensed individuals may offer landscape architecture services or use the title.
Outcome: The individual is ordered to cease practice immediately and may face fines. Repeat violations could lead to legal action and permanent prohibition from practicing.

Case 2 — Negligence in Design

Situation: A licensed landscape architect designs a park layout without properly considering drainage, resulting in frequent flooding and damage to park features.
Relevant Rule: Licensees must practice competently and ensure designs meet professional standards.
Outcome: The architect may face disciplinary action, be required to correct the design, and could be placed on probation with oversight for future projects.

Case 3 — Conflict of Interest

Situation: A landscape architect approves a contract for construction with a company owned by a close relative without disclosure.
Relevant Rule: Conflicts of interest must be disclosed to clients or relevant authorities.
Outcome: The architect may receive a formal reprimand, be required to recuse themselves from certain projects, and could face fines if harm resulted from the conflict.

Case 4 — Failure to Maintain Continuing Education

Situation: A licensed landscape architect fails to submit required continuing education credits during license renewal.
Relevant Rule: Continuing education is required to maintain licensure.
Outcome: The architect may have their license temporarily suspended until they complete the required hours and submit documentation. Repeated failure could result in permanent license revocation.

Case 5 — Misrepresentation of Qualifications

Situation: An architect advertises expertise in sustainable landscape design but lacks formal training or certification in sustainability practices.
Relevant Rule: Licensees must accurately represent their qualifications.
Outcome: The licensee may receive a formal warning, be required to correct advertising materials, and face fines or disciplinary action for misrepresentation.

Case 6 — Violating Safety or Environmental Standards

Situation: A landscape architect approves the use of materials that cause soil erosion and environmental harm.
Relevant Rule: Practitioners must comply with safety and environmental regulations.
Outcome: The architect may be required to remediate the site, face fines, and could be suspended or placed on probation to prevent future violations.