Zoning and Codes

Zoning is a critical tool that allows different land uses to be located in an organized manner that promotes the public health, safety, and general welfare of residents. Zoning guides development, including transportation, infrastructure, agricultural lands, open space, and other types of rural land use. Zoning is enforced to protect property owners from the negative impacts of certain types of land uses. Properties that are used in a manner inconsistent with the applied zoning code can cause visual blight in the county, affect the floodplain and downstream neighbors, create drainage issues, safety hazards for traffic, and damage the natural environment. Zoning protects the public interest, including agriculture, residential, commercial, and industrial zones, in relation to natural resource protection through the administration of land use policies.

Building Codes

The Building Codes Department reviews residential and commercial building plans, issues construction permits, and handles construction violations.

County Code

The Douglas County Code details the requirements, codes, restrictions, and responsibilities related to property ownership in the county. The County Code includes animal control, building and housing, emergency services and preparedness, fire safety, nuisances, and solid waste management. Many of these topics are cross-referenced in this document.

Enforcement

Enforcement is generally complaint-based. Please reach out to zoning@dgcoks.org to file a complaint. For criminal activity, call the sheriff’s office.

  • Zoning and Codes: 785-331-1344
  • Sheriff: 911 for emergencies or 785-841-0007

Zoning Regulations

Access the general website for the following information

Agritourism

“Agritourism activity” means any activity that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities, including, but not limited to, farming activities, ranching activities, or historic, cultural, or natural attractions. An activity may be an agritourism activity whether or not the participant pays to participate in the activity. Agritourism activities must be registered with the County and State.

Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)

The cities of Baldwin City, Eudora, and Lecompton each have their own BZAs. An applicant pays a nonrefundable application fee to go before the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Meetings of the BZA are published in the Lawrence Journal-World, and property owners within one-half mile are notified. The applicant should contact the Zoning Department for information on how to apply for a variance. The BZA meets on the third Monday of the month at 10:00 at the Douglas County Public Works/Zoning and Codes Building.

Fireworks

Fireworks regulations website

Fireworks are allowed at public parks and lakes in the county in specific locations on limited days per year.

Prohibited areas include:

  • 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, whether moving or standing still; or on any public roadway or the right-of-way adjoining a public roadway; or on any public or private property without the express permission and, with respect to private property, direct supervision of the owner, occupier, or other Person having control of such property.

For Lone Star Lake, fireworks are allowed between the maintenance building and the community building. No fireworks are allowed in the campground areas or at the beach from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm until July 4th.

Firework displays require a permit. Contact Zoning and Codes at 785-331-1343.

Floodplain Management

Building and modifying structures or moving soil within a regulated floodplain may not be permitted or may require a permit. Review the floodplain map to ensure your property is not in the regulated floodplain. If a property is in a regulated floodplain, review the floodplain regulations and contact Zoning and Codes. To see the floodplain map, go to the Douglas County Geoportal – floodplain viewer.

Douglas County Floodplain Viewer

Home Occupations

(home-based businesses)

While certain types of home businesses are allowed, many unintentionally adversely affect adjacent neighbors and properties. For this reason, home-based businesses have been categorized into Types 1 and 2, depending on the business use. More impactful businesses are required to register with the Zoning and Codes office.

Permitted Use Table

The permitted use table provides a shorthand look at the activities and structures allowed within each zoning district in the unincorporated portions of the county. See Appendix H.

Appendix H

Zoning districts and permitted uses of land within zoning districts

  • AG-1 Agricultural District
  • AG-2 Transitional Agricultural District
  • CP Clustered Preservation District
  • LS Lone Star Lake Lot Residential District
  • LB Lake Oriented Business District
  • RT Rural Tourism District
  • GB General Business District
  • LI Light Industrial District
  • GI General Industrial District
  • V Village District
  • BSC Big Springs Community District
  • EWP Eudora Source Water Protection Overlay District
  • ASO Airspace Overlay District

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are an increasingly common way for property owners to open up a new revenue stream by renting out their homes. Douglas County has an administrative registration process for vacation rentals within established dwellings, including an inspection and payment of a $50 fee per advertised bedroom every two years. Some vacation rentals may require a conditional use permit.

Zoning and land use regulations

Chapter 12 of the Zoning and Land Use Regulations document defines what is and what is not permitted land use within the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. For example, Chpt. 12 details each zoning district’s setback, buffer area, signage, and lighting requirements.