The pandemic changed how we all work. As more business occurs from home, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners has updated zoning regulations to expand business use of some residential property in unincorporated Douglas County.
Nearly nine months of public input via emails, social media, two Live Town Hall meetings, public hearings, workshops, and an online survey led to the Board’s decision during a regular business meeting Tuesday, Aug. 23. During that meeting, the Board voted to approve a resolution updating Douglas County Zoning Resolution Section 23, Home Occupations.
Home occupations allow for limited commercial activities within residential and agricultural areas. In unincorporated Douglas County, there are both Class 1 and Class 2 Home Occupations. (The County does not regulate home occupations in municipalities like the Town of Castle Rock or the City of Lone Tree.) Class 1 Home Occupations are allowed in all parts of the county, while Class 2 Home Occupations are typically only in rural areas.
Changes affect Class 2 Home Occupation permits, which allow homeowners on parcels of 4.5 acres or more in Rural Residential, Large Rural Residential and Agricultural One zone districts to conduct business within their residence, an accessory building on the property, or within both. Along with expanded uses, applicants for a Class 2 Home Occupation must notify adjacent landowners and affected homeowners’ associations of a pending permit request.