Douglas County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

To provide areas for large-lot residential uses with limited farming, ranching, or tree farming activities and the preservation of such land as open rural area. The density range is from one dwelling per 34.9 acres to one dwelling per 10 acres.

Urban development within this district is strongly discouraged. Expansion of urban development into rural areas is a matter of public concern because of the potential of unnecessary increases in service costs, conflicts between agricultural and urban activities, and the loss of open space and the natural landscape. Large residential sites with limited agricultural uses may be appropriate when located outside the highway corridor viewsheds depicted on the Douglas County Open Lands Opportunity Map and when adjacent to residential development of similar or greater density. Development consideration may be given where it would serve to preserve agricultural land or open space, and promote a design that is sensitive to the natural land features in accordance with the intent of the Douglas County Comprehensive Master Plan, as amended.

The LRR zone district is characterized by residential sites with limited agricultural uses and open areas, which enhance and promote the openness and general rural character of the County. Development or use of land in this district is permitted only in accordance with the provisions herein. Land disturbance activities may require permit(s).

Agricultural recreational activities.

Agriculture.

Animals (refer to Part 24).

Community Uses:

Construction office – temporary (refer to Part 22).

Greenhouse – a maximum of one acre (43,560 sq. ft.) total area including warehouse/shipping facilities.

Residence.

Residential sales office – temporary (refer to Part 22).

Training of non-owned horses, or riders not related to the landowner or lessee, limited to 14 lessons per week.

Utility service facility (Site Improvement Plan required per Part 27).

Veterinary clinic or hospital, equine and livestock (Site Improvement Plan required per Part 27).

Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) – one per lot, except as restricted by a rural site plan, subdivision plat, or other similar land use approval.

Accessory uses and buildings.

Day-care home – small.

Entertainment event (refer to Part 22B).

Farmers market (refer to Part 22A).

Garage – private:

Home occupation – Class 1 and Class 2 (refer to Part 23).

In-home elder care.

Sale of agricultural products and value-added agricultural products produced or raised on site.

Satellite receiving dish.

Value-added agricultural processing – limited to a maximum of 1,500 square feet devoted to this use.

Animals – nondomestic, exotic.

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

Cultural facility.

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

Golf course legally established as a use by special review prior to June 22, 2005.

Home occupation pursuant to § 1-2310, herein.

Horse boarding or training facility that exceeds the maximum number of horses permitted by right or by administrative review. Exempt from Part 18A, Water Supply Overlay District.

Horse rental stable.

Kennel.

Recreation facility – community.

Residence.

Septic waste and domestic sludge application.

Utility – major facility.

Veterinary clinic or hospital.

Wind energy conversion system.

For lots served by an individual well and septic system, the allowable minimum lot area is two acres.

For lots served by a central water system, the allowable minimum lot area is one acre.

For lots served by central water, a one-acre minimum lot area is required for a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

For lots served by individual groundwater well, a two-acre minimum lot area is required for a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

A cornice, canopy, eave, fireplace, wing wall or similar architectural feature may extend three 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 required setbacks.

Maximum building height: 35 feet.

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 usually carried above the roof level.

Fences, walls, or hedges shall not be erected in the public right-of-way, but shall be allowed within the setback, on private land.

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.

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.

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.

Barbed wire or electrically charged fences shall be allowed. Any electrically charged fence shall be clearly and conspicuously posted to warn those outside the fence that it is electrically charged. Concertina or razor wire is prohibited.

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.