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1. How much will my permit cost?

Permit fees can be calculated using the Development Control fee sheet. This can be downloaded off of this website under Development Control Fees. These fees should be calculated using disturbed acreage only. These fees do not apply to land disturbance permits for building a home. 

If you are building a home in a subdivision, there is a one hundred dollar flat fee for the land disturbance. If the home is not in a subdivision or otherwise developed property, there is no fee for the permit. Additional fees may be required from other departments.

2. How long will it take to get my plans reviewed?

Code allows up to 45 days per submittal for plan review. However, reviews are typically commented on in two weeks or less. This can change based on the number of plans that are already in at the time of submittal.

3. Does Douglas County have a Tree Ordinance?

Yes, Douglas County has a tree protection ordinance. The ordinance can be downloaded off of this website. It should be noted that trees required by Planning and Zoning and/or trees in buffers required by Planning and Zoning do not count towards the units required by the Development Control Department.

4. What are the creek buffers for each drainage basin?

The creek buffers are assigned by drainage basins. Contact the Development Control Department to find out what basin you are in. The buffers are as follow: 

• Anneewakee Creek Basin - 50 feet plus 25 feet impervious surface buffer
• Bear Creek Basin - 100 feet plus 50 feet impervious surface buffer
• Beaver Run Sub-basin - 100 feet plus 50 feet impervious surface buffer
• Dog River Basin - 200 feet
• Gothards Creek Sub-basin - 50 feet, all others - 50 feet
• Sweetwater Creek Basin - 100 feet plus 50 feet impervious surface buffer

The buffers are measured from the top of bank in both directions.

5. Where can I get the design standards for Douglas County?

Download the "Construction Plans Checklist" and use it as a guide. If you can check each item, you have probably met our engineering code requirements. Also, for more details, a copy of the Unified Development Code can be downloaded from the Planning and Zoning Department on this website.

6. When are sidewalks required?

Douglas County Unified Development Code requires sidewalks on both sides of all internal streets on any development that has 25 lots or more. Also, sidewalks are required along the existing County roads when the development is within a one-mile radius of a school. Sidewalks should be a minimum of four feet wide, four feet from the back of curb and four inches thick. Sidewalks are not required when lot size is 3 acres or more.

7. How much should my bonds cover?

Maintenance bonds should cover 25% of the total cost of improvements and the Performance bonds should cover 150% of any incomplete work such as topping, sidewalks, etc. See the download "Estimating Bonds" for more complete details.

8. How many sets of plans do I need to submit for review?

All construction plans are now reviewed online. Please visit the following website for more information about online plan submittal. When construction plans are approved (commercial and residential), 3 printed sets need to be submitted to be stamped for on-site use. Additional paper copies as well as hydrology reports should be submitted directly to WSA. Special circumstances may require additional plans to be submitted.