Zoning and Codes
Welcome
The Douglas County Zoning and Codes Office exclusively serves the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Our goals are to primarily meet the evolving needs of Douglas County as well as incorporating the goals of the comprehensive and area plans.
Floodplains
Douglas County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by FEMA. Click... , read more via the link below
More About Floodplains
Building Permits
A list of downloadable permit applications. If your name does not appear on the property deed, please... , read more via the link below
Get Permits
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals is a quasi-judicial County Board that can approve, approve with conditions, or... , read more via the link below
More About Board of Zoning Appeals
Project News
Douglas County is excited to be partnering with Clarion Associates to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic review of the County’s zoning and… Go to Story
Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fireworks allowed at public parks and lakes in the county?
Fireworks are allowed at public parks and lakes in the county. These are the prohibited areas:
Can I build a second house on my property?
Only one residence is allowed per land tract.
A recent change to the zoning regulations has allowed an option to create additional housing while maintaining the rural character of unincorporated Douglas County. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are intended to provide an independent living area for residents with health issues or disabilities, in close proximity to a caretaker, and provide housing for persons employed on a farm.
Can I build an accessory building and build the house later?
No accessory building can be constructed on a lot unless the construction of the primary dwelling has been permitted. An accessory use must be accessory to a primary use.
Can I sell the existing house with one or two acres?
An existing vested residential parcel with less than the minimum acreage required in the Douglas County Zoning Regulations may be eligible to be sold as a residential parcel if the Douglas County sanitation requirements are met. Specific properties should be discussed with the county sanitarian and Zoning and Codes. A new parcel with less than 3 acres in area is not permitted with or without an existing residence on it.
Can I share a driveway to serve two lots?
Each building lot is required to have its own driveway and meet the county road classification standards for road frontage. Sharing a driveway would constitute a private road, which is no longer permitted.
Do I need a building permit for my accessory building?
All buildings/accessory buildings require a building permit.
The only structures exempt from this process are:
