Zoning and Codes FAQ

Only one residence is allowed per 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.  6 acres on rural water is required for a Detached ADU.  10 acres on well water is required for a Detached ADU. 

To determine if you qualify for an ADU, we recommend calling our office so staff can meet with you individually to determine if your property qualifies. For general questions, you can call or email us.

General ADU information:

• Douglas County allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) used for habitation by a farm employee, a relative/family member, a caregiver providing care for a member of the primary dwelling, or if the caregiver lives in the primary dwelling, the care recipient can live in the ADU. The two latter circumstances are designed to address medical care situations.

• An ADU is meant to maintain the look and appearance of a single family residential home site, therefore requires a shared entrance.

• Size requirements can’t exceed 1000 square feet.

o The maximum area may be increased to 1400 square feet, provided it does not exceed 80% of the primary dwelling.

• A detached ADU requires a minimum of 6 acres on rural water and 10 acres on well water.

o Four of those acres must be located outside the floodplain,

o the utility meters and wastewater system must be signed off on by the appropriate agency.

• Detached ADUs can be placed no closer than 25’ to the primary dwelling.

o Exceptions can be made if the ADU is within an already existing structure through the board of zoning appeals.

• An attached ADU must have shared utilities.

• The health department must approve the potable water supply as well.

• Application and Affidavit: CERTIFICATION OF Accessory Dwelling - (douglascountyks.org)

Attached ADU General Information:

• Attached ADUs need to be via a fully enclosed and conditioned space such as a hallway (not a breezeway) or simply transition from one part of the house to the next as a simple addition.
• The bedroom of the ADU is required to have an egress window. 
• The ADU can have its own separate man-door for primary ingress/egress. 

• The ADU cannot be separate from the rest of the house via lockable doors. 
• ADU Regulations

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.

Operating a home business in Douglas County requires a business permit which may be obtained through our office.

Rural home occupation regulations were adopted in 2008. Rural home occupations are determined based on Type. Please check with our office to determine whether you qualify as a Type I or Type II business.  If your size or type does not qualify you may still be able to operate by applying for a CUP conditional use permit or re-zoning.

  Register  your home business annually. 

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? Measuring and drawing tools are also available. If you get stuck researching a parcel call the Zoning and Codes Department at 785-331-1343 or email zoning@douglascountyks.org.

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 entrance to the property must be approved by Public Works or the township prior to applying for a building permit.  A building permit will not be approved until the entrance has been constructed and inspected.  Existing agricultural entrances may require relocation or improvement to be eligible for residential or commercial use.

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.

  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

  7.       Mechanical

  8.       Framing

  9.       Masonry Fireplace and Chimney

10.       Insulation

11.       Drywall (Prior to taping joints)

12.       Permanent Electrical Service

13.       Final Septic System Approval (Douglas County Health Department)

14.       Final Well Water Supply (Douglas County Health Department)   OR

15.       Final Water Meter Inspection (Rural Water District)

16.       Final Entrance Permit Approval (Township Trustee, Douglas Co. Public Works or KDOT)

17.       Final Inspection (Prior to Occupancy)

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 Access Management Standards Chart for additional information.

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.

If the inspection of the homeowner's work should fail twice, the work will be required to have a Licensed Master Electrician/Plumber/Mechanic correct and complete the work.