If the property is outside the city limits, property owners or realtors may call the County Zoning Department to determine whether property is in the floodplain. Additionally, you may utilize the Public Property Viewer to view...
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Realtors ask, is this property in the Floodplain?
What are the property set back requirements?
Setbacks will vary by the type of structure and type of road frontage classification and zoning. Here is a breakdown for typical building construction in the agricultural district of Douglas County.
For Residential...
What are the required inspections?
1. Footing (Prior to Pouring Concrete)
2. Foundation (Prior to Pouring Concrete)
3. Temporary Power Poles
4. ...
What do I need to bring in to obtain a building permit?
With the assistance of the Zoning office to confirm that your parcel is buildable, these are the typical items we need to obtain a building permit. Depending on the structure (residential, accessory building, shed, swimming...
What is the road frontage required for a tract to be buildable?
The County adopted the Public Road Access Management Standard on October 25, 2006, where all the County roads are now classified with different road frontage requirements for each road classification.
Please view the...
What size lot can I build on?
The size of lot requirement has changed throughout the years. We recommend calling the Zoning & Codes Department for land buildability. You can contact us by phone: 785.331.1343 or by email: zoning@dgcoks.gov . Our...
When building my own home, can I do my own electrical, plumbing and mechanical work?
Homeowners may do their own electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. If they do not have a Licensed Master Electrician/Plumber/Mechanic reviewing and taking responsibility for their work, they will need to submit applicable wiring, plumbing, or HVAC diagrams and details for review...
Where do I go for a Conditional Use Permit?
Conditional Use Permits allow certain uses in a permitted Zoning District without changing the Zoning. To begin the procedure, a site plan and application must be submitted to the Planning & Development Services Department. You can contact the Planning and Development Services department by...
What is a mill levy?
One mill is $1.00 per 1,000 of assessed valuation. For a home that is valued at $200,000, the assessed value would be 11.5% or $23,000. One mill would be $23 in tax dollars.
What is ad valorem tax?
It is a tax based on value, or property tax.
What is assessed valuation?
This is the taxable value of a property. The rates used are set in the State Constitution. For residential property it is 11.5%, commercial property is 25% and state assessed properties are 33.0%.
What is local sales tax?
The county voters passed a 1.0% countywide sales tax in 1994. The countywide sales tax goes to the county and cities based on formulas. The main purpose of this tax for the county was to build a new jail and health facility, and to reduce ad valorem taxes.
What is the fiscal year?
The county follows a calendar year, January to December.
What is the non-appropriated balance?
It is reserved as a carry-over to the next year.
What is the purpose of the county budget?
The annual budget provides the county with expenditure authority and authority to levy taxes to finance the expenditures. It provides a financial plan on how the expenditures will be spent, including personnel, contractual services, and capital expenditures.
What are my duties and responsibilities as a guardian or a conservator?
Please follow this link for more information: http://www.kansasjudicialcouncil.org/legal-forms/guardianship-conservatorship
What steps are involved in acquiring an expungement?
There are two types of expungements: Adult and Juvenile. To view a complete list of the steps needed for acquiring an expungement, please visit the Getting an Expungement page.
What are the hours for the office and where is it located?
The District Court Trustee is located on the main floor of the Judicial Building at 111 E. 11th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. The office is accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the office...
What services will be provided?
The District Court Trustee is responsible for all matters relating to the establishment, modification, and enforcement of support orders issued by the Douglas County District Court. The District Court Trustee is empowered to pursue all civil remedies which would be available to a recipient in...
When did the office open?
The office opened on May 1, 1995. All orders for support entered effective January 1, 1995, require the District Court Trustee to provide enforcement services for the case. Payments are to be made through the Kansas Payment Center, and are disbursed within 48 hours of receipt.
Where would I acquire online/printable versions of forms and documents related to child support, parenting time/visitation and other services offered by the District Court Trustee?
Printable versions of forms and documents related to child support, parenting time/visitation, and other services offered by the District Court Trustee can be acquired on line by visiting the Court Trustee Documents page. You can also obtain...
Which cases are handled and what is the fee?
For any new or modified support order entered on or after January 1, 1995, the District Court Trustee will automatically provide enforcement services. A mandatory fee of 5% will be deducted from support collected to defray the expenses of the office. In most instances, the value of the services...
How do I get to the Court Services Office?
Douglas County Court Services is located in the basement level of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center located at 111 E. 11th street Lawrence, KS.
How do I pay my court costs or restitution?
Payments for court costs, restitution and fines can be made in person or via mail. If payment is being made in person, it may be paid by cash, check, money order or cashier’s check, payable to DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, in the Clerk’s Office, located in the basement level of the...
I'm scheduled for a PSI appointment, what is that?
In all felony cases a Pre Sentence Investigation (PSI) is ordered by the court upon a conviction/plea prior to sentencing. The PSI report will contain an individual’s criminal history along with the current severity level of conviction(s). The report will provide the sentencing court...