Frequently Asked Questions

Fireworks are allowed at public parks and lakes in the county. These are the prohibited areas: Read Full Answer

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. Read Full Answer

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.  Read Full Answer

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. Read Full Answer

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. Read Full Answer

All buildings/accessory buildings require a building permit. The only structures exempt from this process are: Read Full Answer

Click this link for a guide that will help you locate and utilize the Douglas County Property Viewer. Would you like to research, or learn more about a parcel in the county? Who services water or electric for a parcel? Is my parcel in the floodplain? What is my zoning? Am I in the Urban Growth Area? What is the parcel or pin number for my property? How much road frontage do you have and how much will you need to build? Read Full Answer

Vendors may apply for a fireworks permit by submitting a site plan, proof of sales tax, legal description and property owner's name to the County Zoning & Codes Department. The sale of fireworks or use of fireworks is allowed on July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of each year only.  Read Full Answer

Addresses are not assigned to vacant parcels.  Addresses are assigned by the Zoning and Codes Department when a landowner applies for a residential or commercial building permit.  Addresses are typically based on the location where the entrance meets the public road. Read Full Answer

The definition appears in Article 8, Section 20-815 (Interpretations, Rules of Construction and Definitions) of the Subdivision Regulations:Plat (or Subdivision Plat) — A complete and exact map representing a Tract of land, showing the boundaries and location of individual Lots, Easements, and Streets which has been approved by the Planning Commission and recorded in the office of the County Register of Deeds. The term includes a Replat. Read Full Answer

Building Permit fees are determined by the valuation. For example, the permit for a $100,000 residence would be $993.75. Please click this link for all Zoning and Codes fees. For more information, contact the Zoning & Codes Department at 3755 E 25th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, Phone: 785-331-1343 Fax: 785-842-1201 Read Full Answer

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 current floodplain maps. Read Full Answer

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 Building:  Front setbacks vary by the classification of the public road.  This is the breakdown of front setbacks by road frontage classification: Read Full Answer

  1.       Footing (Prior to Pouring Concrete)  2.       Foundation (Prior to Pouring Concrete)  3.       Temporary Power Poles  4.       Under slab Plumbing (Prior to Pouring Concrete)  5.       Rough-in Plumbing and Final Plumbing  6.       Rough-in Electrical and Final Electrical Read Full Answer

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 pools, etc.), some items may not be necessary for your specific project: Read Full Answer