Douglas County approves changes to home-occupation rules to allow low-impact businesses in accessory buildings

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved a zoning text amendment on April 23, 2025, that revises county rules for home occupations to allow certain low‑impact businesses to operate in accessory buildings and to change registration and size limits.

The amendment, AMDT 24‑1001, passed by a 5‑0 vote and was adopted as Resolution 25‑19. The board’s action follows a unanimous recommendation for approval from the county planning commission.

Under the changes staff presented, “Type 1” home occupations would be permitted by right so long as proposed standards are met and would no longer require registration if those standards are satisfied. Type 1 uses would be allowed to use up to 400 square feet of an accessory structure; previously home occupations were limited to use within the dwelling. For “Type 2” home occupations, the amendment removes the existing five‑acre minimum lot size and removes the maximum accessory‑building size limit (currently identified in code as 3,600 square feet). The amendment also…