Douglas County, NE Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot size
- 80 acres in AG District
- Minimum parcel width
- 300 feet
- Farmstead lot split
- 3 acres, one-time only
- Commercial feedlots
- Prohibited countywide
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only, not Omaha
Summary
Unincorporated Douglas County reserves land for farming through the AG Agricultural/Open Space District, requiring 80-acre minimum lots for new development to keep agricultural and open-space parcels intact and prevent premature urban splits.
The AG Agricultural District applies primarily to areas that are unlikely to experience urban development. The likely long-term use of these areas is agriculture, open space, or very low density development. In addition, areas currently in agricultural or open space uses but designated for future development in the Comprehensive Plan should be retained in the AG District to prevent premature or inappropriate development. Parcels between 20 and 80 acres existing as of January 1, 2020 will remain AG zoned as legal lots/parcels and not subject to any non-conformance requirements.
TABLE 4.2 – Site Development Regulations
Regulator
1-Family Units
Other Permitted Uses
Site Area per Housing Unit
80 Acres
N/A
Minimum Lot Area (Note 1)
80 Acres
80 Acres
Minimum Parcel Width (feet)
300
300
(Note 2)
Minimum Yards (feet)
• Front Yard (Note 3)
50
50
Page 25 of 54
TABLE 4.2 – Site Development Regulations
Regulator
1-Family Units
• Side Yard
15
• Street Side Yard
25
• Rear Yard
35
Maximum Height (feet)
35
Maximum Building Coverage
N/A
Maximum Impervious Coverage N/A
Maximum Amount of Total
N/A
Parking Located in Street Yard
Other Permitted Uses 25 25 35 35; 50 for Farm Buildings; 100 for Grain Storage Structures N/A N/A N/A
Notes: 1. Minimum lot area for uses designated as a Special Use may be less than 20 acres as a condition of the Special Use Permit. Page 26 of 54
Full Breakdown
Douglas County's AG Agricultural/Open Space District covers unincorporated land expected to stay in farming or open space long-term. New parcels need 80 acres minimum for a house or any other permitted use, a 300-foot minimum width, and building setbacks up to 50 feet (100 feet for grain storage structures). A one-time farmstead-lot exception lets landowners split off a 3-acre home site from a qualifying 83+-acre parcel. Commercial feedlots are banned countywide under the Article 3 use-type rules. This applies only outside Omaha, Bennington, Valley, Waterloo, and Ralston, which zone under their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Violating any zoning provision is a Class III misdemeanor, with each 24-hour period of continued violation counted as a separate offense; the Zoning Coordinator issues written notices before referral to the County Attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AG District cover farmland inside Omaha?
Can I carve a small home site off my farm?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Nebraska right to farm overview
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