An education process is under way to inform Douglas County department staffs and the public about new subdivision and rural development regulations that went into effect Jan. 1.

County planning consultant Linda Finger said handouts were being created to help explain how property owners can divide their land. When finished, they will be made available to Realtors, title companies, loan offices and banks.

An outline of the outreach efforts was presented during a Thursday meeting of County Commissioners Bob Johnson and Charles Jones, county planning staff members and various department heads.

Information about the regulations will be available on the Web site www.ci.lawrence.ks.us/planning in about two months, said Sheila Stogsdill, the city-county interim planning director.

Among the key aspects of the new regulations is the elimination of the five-acre exemption, which allowed property owners in the rural area to get a residential building permit without going through the planing process as long as they have at least 5 acres.