Douglas County commissioners on Thursday received a primer on the county's planning and zoning rules.
Commissioners met with staff from the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Department to discuss criteria for rezoning applications. They want to set guidelines before more rural home-business owners apply for rezoning, which could allow them to continue business at home instead of moving to a properly zoned location.
Keith Dabney, the county's director of zoning and codes, said most agricultural accessory buildings used for the businesses won't meet the county's building codes for commercial buildings, which have strict wiring and fire safety regulations. People don't even need a permit to build an agricultural-use building.
Commissioner Charles Jones asked whether the business owners could obtain a conditional-use permit to continue their businesses rather than seek rezoning of their properties.
Planning director Linda Finger said conditional-use permits should be issued only for special uses, such as for building a township hall or fire department. Other previous approved uses are a golf range and a private air strip.
Dabney said about 30 to 35 businesses will be forced to relocate within five years because of the county's new home-occupation rules.
Jones said he also wants the commissioners to establish "commercial nodes" that would allow several home-based businesses to relocate and continue operating in the county.
Commissioners plan to hold a second work session April 4 to discuss zoning issues.
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