Zoning and Codes
Zoning
Zoning is a critical tool used to allow certain land uses in an organized manner, this includes transportation, infrastructure, floodplain, agricultural preservation and promotion, open space as well as other land uses.
Our Goals
In between the daily work that quickly fills our days we’re working on several big goals countywide:
- Updating County area plans
- Updating floodplain maps
- Agricultural Preservation through a variety of land use options
- Kicking off an Open Space Plan
- Conditional Use, Site Plan and Home Business Reviews
We are passionate about educating the public while responding to an unprecedented number of general land use questions regarding land sales and property acquisition. We work to quickly resolve property complaints, and collaborate with the building codes team as well as our Joint City/County Planning office on a wide range of items. Zoning is enforced to protect property owners from negative impacts of certain types of land uses. Properties which are used in a manner inconsistent with the applied zoning code can cause visual blight in the county, affect the floodplain and downstream neighbors, create drainage issues, safety hazards for traffic, and damage the natural environment.
Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
In 2020, Douglas County adopted new zoning regulations after decades of amending the original 1966 regulations. These updated regulations were largely inspired by Plan 2040, the Area Sector Plans, and input by members of the public.
- Chapter 12: Zoning and Land Use regulations (PDF): In 2020, Douglas County adopted new zoning regulations after decades of amending the original 1966 regulations. These updated regulations were largely inspired by Plan 2040, the Area Sector Plans, and input by members of the public.
- Zoning Regulations Explained (PDF): Coming soon! Sometimes "new" can be scary or confusing, so we made a quick cheat sheet to explain whats inside the adopted regulations.
- Subdivision Regulations (PDF): Lawrence and Douglas County share the same Subdivision Regulations to ensure that land development is performed in a way that can more easily meet city standards when annexed.
- Fireworks: For information regarding the sale, display, and use of fireworks in Douglas County.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (PDF): information regarding additional living quarters for farmhands, caretakers, and family members on the same parcel.
- Permitted Use Table (PDF): View what uses are specifically allowed
Proposed Text Amendments
Zoning Permits and Fees
Property Search Requests
All property research requests and general inquiries are handled through email. Please note: Phone calls and voicemail will be added to our queue and responded to in the order received. Our office receives a large amount of these requests and we work had to answer them in a timely manner. If your request requires extensive research, please expect delays. Please see below for the information we require to answer your questions. If you reside within city limits, please contact your local city officials.