Douglas County commissioners Wednesday approved a septic system at a residential property being developed northwest of Lawrence.

Commissioners Bob Johnson and Jere McElhaney voted 2-0 to approve the variance from the county’s subdivision regulations. The property is in an urban growth area, but it is not near any city utility services.

Commissioners approved the variance because they said economic conditions made it unlikely the city would grow into that area in the future.

The property is north of Martin Park, which is northwest of the intersection of Peterson Road and Monterey Way, and the seven acres are zoned for single-family residential use.

Commissioner Charles Jones was absent from the meeting because of a family emergency. The next meeting will be 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass.