Douglas County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

To provide areas for high-density residential development, designed in a manner to create livable space in the urban setting, conveniently and efficiently located to reduce unnecessary commuting and automobile emissions. Adequate facilities, such as roads, water and sanitation, fire protection, emergency service, and public utilities shall be available to serve these areas. Growth should occur in a phased manner to save on the costly, premature extension of basic infrastructure.

Development within this district should be located in proximity to employment centers; activity centers, such as shopping, recreational, and community centers; health care facilities; and public transit in accordance with the intent of the Douglas County Comprehensive Master Plan, as amended. These areas should be protected from incompatible land uses and hazardous conditions, and buffered from major commercial/industrial uses.

The MF zone district is characterized by multifamily residential complexes in a landscaped setting with landscaped off-street parking areas. Site improvements including landscaping, and recreational and support amenities commensurate to the size of the complex, shall be provided and designed to minimize the impact on adjacent residential uses. A Site Improvement Plan is required prior to construction. Typical structures include townhouses, condominiums, apartments, and other accessory uses which enhance the basic elements of a balanced residential area such as schools, parks, playgrounds, and neighborhood recreational facilities. Development or use of land in this district is permitted only in accordance with the provisions herein. Land disturbance activities may require permit(s).

Community Uses:

Construction office – temporary (refer to Part 22).

Nursing home, convalescent home or other extended-care facility.

Residence.

Retirement home.

Sales office – temporary (refer to Part 22).

Utility service facility.

Accessory uses and buildings.

Animals (refer to Part 24).

Day-care home – small.

Home occupation – Class 1 (refer to Part 23).

In-home elder care.

Satellite receiving dish.

Church – greater than 350 seating capacity in main worship area.

Day-care center/preschool, or day-care home – large.

Recreation facility – community.

Residence – group residential facility.

Utility – major facility.

Refer to Part 28 for non-residential parking standards.

The total off-street parking-spaces required:

A cornice, canopy, eave, fireplace, wing wall or similar architectural feature may extend three feet into a required setback. Fire escapes may extend six feet into a required setback.

A covered or uncovered deck or porch may extend six feet into a required setback, except for a side setback.

Foundation anchoring and foundation repair systems may be located within a required setback.

A building permit shall not be issued for any structure which is to be located within an easement unless written approval, by the easement holder(s), is provided.

Utility distribution lines and related equipment commonly located along property lines may be located within a required setback. A neighborhood substation or gas regulator/meter station shall meet the required setbacks.

The maximum building height shall not apply to belfries, cupolas, penthouses or domes not used for human occupancy, roof-mounted church spires, chimneys, skylights, ventilators, water tanks, silos, parapet walls, cornices, antennas, utility poles and necessary mechanical appurtenances carried above the roof level.

The maximum height of a roof-mounted church spire/steeple shall not exceed 1.62 times the height of the church measured from the lowest finished floor to the roof peak. The height of the roof-mounted spire shall be measured from the top of the spire to the finished floor of the lowest walkout level of the church (refer to Part 36, § 1-3602, "building height" definition, spire height calculation).

The height of antennas shall be no greater than the distance to the nearest lot line. (Refer to Part 27A for cell sites and Part 21 for telecommunication facilities).

Fences, walls, or hedges shall not be erected in the public right-of-way, but shall be allowed within the setbacks, on private land. A building permit is required for any retaining wall greater than four feet in height or any fence or wall greater than six feet in height, or as required by the Building Code, as amended and adopted by Douglas County.

Solid fences or walls, or hedges, shall be a maximum of four feet in height when located in the front setback; otherwise, solid fences or walls, or hedges shall be a maximum of six feet in height.

Fences constructed of woven wire or ornamental iron which are a minimum of 80% open may be constructed with no height limitation; however, a building permit is required for any fence greater than six feet in height, or as required by the Building Code, as amended and adopted by Douglas County.

Fences, walls, or hedges shall be erected and maintained in a manner which does not obstruct the vision of automobile traffic on the adjacent streets, rights-of-way, or driveways in accordance with the Douglas County Roadway Design and Construction Standards manual.

Fences, walls or hedges shall be maintained in good structural or living condition. The landowner is responsible for the repair or removal of a fence, wall or hedge, which constitutes a safety hazard, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence or abandonment, or which constitutes a zoning violation.

Swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence or wall that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Building Code, as amended and adopted by Douglas County.

Sound barrier walls, when constructed adjacent to roadways, shall be designed in accordance with the State Department of Transportation criteria and approved by the Site Improvement Plan Review Board.

Barbed, electrically charged, concertina or razor wire is prohibited.