Provisional ballots are for voters and poll workers alike that encounter issues with an attempted vote, usually involving the voter's registration status. i.e. change of address, name change, name not listed in poll book, went to wrong precinct etc. All provisional ballots are researched…
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my provisional ballot count?
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:
- within 1,000 feet of any hospital, sanitarium or infirmary; or
- within 100 feet of any Fireworks Stand; or
- into, under, from, or on a car or vehicle,…
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…
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…
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:
- Any building or structure erected and used strictly for agricultural purposes, would be exempt from building permit requirements by meeting the Ag Exemption…
How can I research my parcel? Is it in the floodplain, who services my electric and water, what is my zoning, etc.?
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…
How do I apply for a Firework Permit?
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.
How do I get an address assigned to a parcel of property?
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. Note that an…
How does Douglas County define a plat?
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…
How much will my building permit cost?
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,…
Realtors ask, is this property in the Floodplain?
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…
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 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 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.