Frequently Asked Questions

1. I want to subdivide my land to develop, sell, or give to a family member. Where do I start?

Please see the minimum acreage and frontage requirements in the County Code (Chpt. 11 Subdivision Regulations and Chpt. 12 Zoning) and contact Zoning and Codes with questions

The Kansas Society of Land Surveyors lists surveyors working in Douglas County. When choosing a surveyor, ask to ensure they are familiar with Douglas County’s regulations.

2. I want to rezone my land. Where do I start?

Contact the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Department to schedule a pre-application meeting. Appraisal classification is independent of zoning.

3. I am purchasing land in the unincorporated area of Douglas County to build a home. What do I need to know, and where do I find the information?

If planning to buy land in Douglas County, one needs to consider: Resource Website
How many acres do you want, and what is your price range? Lawrence Board of Realtors www.lawrencerealtor.com/property-for-sale/
What are the proposed uses of the land?
Examples - home site, agriculture, timber, wildlife habitat
What are the water sources? Examples - rural
water district, lake/ponds, well, stream/creek		 Property viewer, Google Earth, rural water districts (Appendix H)
What are the desired characteristics?
Examples - topography, road surface		 Google Earth earth.google.com/web/
Who will provide utilities? Examples - rural water district, electricity, natural gas/propane, solar, wind turbine, trash collection, internet Maps of water districts (Appendix F),
electricity providers (Appendix G)
Is there a preferred township? Map of townships (Appendix C)
Things to know before you buy if you plan to build a house: Resource

Website
Is it a buildable parcel? Zoning and Codes 785-331-1344 www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes
Is the parcel vested for home construction
(split legally per existing code at the time)?		 Zoning and Codes 785-331-1344 www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes
If not vested, is the parcel 20 acres or more in size? Zoning and Codes 785-331-1344 www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes
Have you obtained Public Health Dept. approval for the septic system? LDCPH Septic/Well Applications 785-843-3060 ldchealth.org/508/Environmental-Health
Does the parcel meet access management standards? Zoning and Codes 785-331-1344 www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes
Is there approval by a rural water district for a meter, or does the property have a well approved by the Public Health Dept.? Map of Rural Water Districts
(Appendix H)
Are 3 contiguous acres outside of the floodplain? Zoning and Codes 785-331-1344 www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes
Does your house plan meet building codes so you can obtain a building permit? Zoning and Codes 785-331-1344 www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes/building-code#permits
Have you completed the Entrance Permit and arranged for the township to complete the road cut? Zoning and Codes 785-331-1344 www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes
What other information do you need? Rural Property Information www.dgcoks.gov/rural-property-information

4. I want to protect my land from future development.

A. Conservation Land Trusts (Conservation Easements)

A conservation land trust is a private, non-profit organization that acquires land or conservation easements to limit commercial development and preserve open space, natural areas, or agricultural land.

Kansas Land Trust

KLT permanently protects Kansas lands of ecological or agricultural importance or lands of historic, scenic, and recreational merit. KLT crafts a customized conservation agreement for each landowner. Once the conservation agreement is in place, KLT works to ensure that the lands are protected
forever. KLT also works with other conservation organizations to preserve large, contiguous tracts of land.

    • Phone: 785-749-3297
    • Address: PO Box 508, Lawrence, KS 66044
    • Website: www.klt.org

Ranchland Trust of Kansas

Ranchland Trust cooperates with voluntary ranchers and conservation partners to create perpetual conservation easements. These partnerships help the environment, wildlife, and ecosystems of Kansas and aid land stewards in achieving successful financial goals for their operations and families.

    • Phone: 785-273-5115
    • Email: rtk@kla.org
    • Address: 6031 SW 37th St, Topeka, KS 66614
    • Website: ranchlandtrustofkansas.org

B. Re-zoning

Agriculture and Natural Resources Protection Agreement

Agricultural parcels may be reduced to the minimum area permitted by the Douglas County Sanitary Code (buildable lot), provided the development on the remainder of the parcel is prohibited with the recording of an executed agricultural/ natural resource protection agreement. The agreement remains in effect until the property is annexed into a city or rezoned to a district that permits greater density.

Zone to Open Space

Douglas County is working on guidelines for establishing an open space zoning district

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