Zoning is a critical tool used to allow certain land uses in an organized manner, this includes transportation, infrastructure, floodplain, agricultural preservation and promotion, open space as well as other land uses.
In between the daily work that quickly fills our days we’re working on several big goals countywide:
We are passionate about educating the public while responding to an unprecedented number of general land use questions regarding land sales and property acquisition. We work to quickly resolve property complaints, and collaborate with the building codes team as well as our Joint City/County Planning office on a wide range of items. Zoning is enforced to protect property owners from negative impacts of certain types of land uses. Properties which 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.
In 2020, Douglas County adopted new zoning regulations after decades of amending the original 1966 regulations. These updated regulations were largely inspired by Plan 2040, the Area Sector Plans, and input by members of the public.
Linked below you’ll find our current list of text amendments in development and moving through the public review process. We recognize that you as a Douglas County resident have unique knowledge about the areas in which you live and work. Feedback from you helps steer the development of projects and future regulations by informing Commissioners, and staff of your interests, what you support, and what concerns you may have. Citizen input is critical and makes a profound difference by leading staff and your elected officials in identifying potential impacts and solutions. Your public comment is truly valued and can go a long way when it comes to land use decisions.
To submit effective comment:
Please note, if you provide comment, your information is not anonymous and may be used as public record.
We encourage the public to check in periodically and submit public comment to : planning@dgcoks.gov
Procedures for Granting: Applicant pays $100.00, non refundable application fee to go before the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Legal Publication of Meeting in the Lawrence Journal-World and property owners within 1,000 feet are notified. Applicant should contact the Zoning Department for information on how to apply for a variance. The BZA members meet once a month. For information regarding upcoming meeting dates, please contact County Planner and BZA Staff Liason Karl Bauer at kbauer@dgcoks.gov or at 785-331-1347 .
Procedures for Granting: Applicant pays $100.00, non refundable application fee to go before the Board of Building Code Appeals. Legal Publication of Meeting in the Lawrence Journal-World and property owners within 1,000 feet are notified.
The Lawrence/Douglas County Planning Department processes and presents applications to the Lawrence Planning Commission and the Douglas County Commissioners. To get started you will need to contact and submit your application to the Planning & Development Services office at 1 Riverfront Plaza, Suite 320. Lawrence, KS 66044 (Ph: 785-831-3150). For questions and application submittal call (785)-832-7700 or email Planner of the Day. The application form can be found here.
Downloads: A complete list of Building Permit downloads can be found on the Building Codes page.
Procedures for Granting: Applicant submits completed application, two sets of house plans, site plan, copy of recorded deed, health department approval, and entrance approval.
Procedures for Granting: Applicant applies for Firework Permit. Applicant must submit site plan and copy of tax identification and pay $100 Permit Fee.
Procedures for Granting: Applicant applies for permit which states the required elevation and has a land surveyor or licensed engineer document that the lowest floor, including basement, is elevated one (1) foot above regulatory flood elevation.
Procedures for Granting: All Home Business Owners will register their business annually. Site inspection will be made on Type II locations. Renewals will be made annually, according to location in various Townships. Fees are according to type of business and number of employees. Upon completion of inspection, Home Occupation Registration certificate will be issued. Click this link for the Home Business Application Form.
Douglas County Sign Code 12-314, includes detailed information regarding permitting requirements, inspections, sign regulations per zoning district, prohibited signs, temporary signs, setback standards and more.
In order to apply for a sign please follow the link below, fill out the form and gather all related documents and email them to zoning@dgcoks.gov You can also drop them off or mail them to 3755 E 25th St, Lawrence, KS 66046