Zoning permits and fees for Douglas County, Kansas.
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@douglascountyks.org 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 Permits 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.
Download: Fireworks Permit Requirements (Vendors) (PDF format)
Procedures for Granting: Applicant applies for Firework Permit. Applicant must submit site plan and copy of tax identification and pay $100 Permit Fee.
Download: Floodplain Development Permit (PDF format)
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.
Click this link for the Douglas County Sign Code.
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@douglascountyks.org You can also drop them off or mail them to 3755 E 25th St, Lawrence, KS 66046
Click this link for sign permit procedures and a fillable sign application form
Download: Special Events Permit (S.E.P.) (PDF format)
Procedures for Granting: Applicant applies for a special use permit for conducting short-term events on private property within the unincorporated area of Douglas County. There is a fee of $100.00.
Download: Temporary Business Use Permits (T.B.U.) (PDF format)
Procedures for Granting: Application filled out and $100.00 application fee to go before County Commissioners for approval of Temporary Business Use.
