Douglas County Title 20 Development Code Update

Douglas County Community Development is in the process of updating Title 20 of the County Code, which governs land use, zoning, and development. The goal is to modernize and reorganize the code so it’s easier to navigate, consistent with current policy, and more user-friendly for both residents and developers.

A Better Development Code for a Better Douglas County
For years, our community has recognized that Douglas County’s Title 20 Development Code is outdated, confusing, and no longer serves our modern needs. The time has finally come to overhaul this critical document. Our goal is to create a modern, user-friendly code that protects our county's unique character while encouraging smart, sustainable growth.

This comprehensive update will make the development process clearer and more predictable for homeowners, builders, and business owners. By consolidating and reorganizing the rules into one streamlined framework, we can eliminate contradictions, simplify procedures, and ensure the code aligns with our community's vision as outlined in the Master Plan.

We are committed to making this a transparent process and look forward to hearing your feedback on the proposed changes. Your input is essential to help us build a better code for everyone.

What’s Changing

The new structure of Title 20 will consolidate and renumber chapters into 11 clear Articles. These range from general provisions, zoning districts, and Tahoe Basin regulations to floodplain management, infrastructure standards, permitting procedures, code enforcement, and appendices. This streamlined approach will replace the current patchwork of zoning, permitting, and improvement standards, creating one comprehensive, organized framework.

A more modern and aligned code will be fully updated to implement the community's vision from the Master Plan, supporting our goals for the future. The entire code will be user-friendly and clear. In addition to the logical, 11 Articles, we are adding helpful tables, graphics, and illustrations to make the rules easy to find and understand. It will promote economic vitality with updated standards that will encourage desired investment and quality projects that strengthen our local economy while respecting our community's character. The updated code will be a single, comprehensive framework. All development-related rules will be consolidated into one comprehensive and organized document, creating a single source of truth for all projects.

Project Timeline

The update is moving forward in stages. Work begins with general provisions and definitions in early spring 2026, followed by growth management policies and zoning standards through mid-year. Special topics like the Tahoe Basin and floodplain management will be drafted in the spring, with infrastructure and permitting procedures following in summer. By early fall, work on code enforcement and appendices will be wrapped up, and a full redline draft of the revised Title 20 is expected by the end of the year.

Community feedback was collected through October 2025, followed by outreach workshops (Date TBD in 2026) as the final code draft is prepared.

The first public workshop and presentation for the Title 20 Code Update took place Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Douglas County CVIC Hall, located at 1604 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden, Nevada 89423.

The next public workshop is scheduled for spring 2026. Additional details will be shared once the date, time, and location are confirmed.

Adoption Process

Formal adoption will take place in 2026. The Planning Commission will review the draft and provide direction, followed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). If approved, the updated Title 20 Code will officially take effect in 2026.

How to Get Involved

Public input is central to this process. Residents and stakeholders will have opportunities to participate through online surveys, public workshops, and hearings before both the Planning Commission and BOCC. The County encourages everyone to stay engaged and share their perspectives as this important update moves toward adoption.

Click here to submit your comments: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FQDX975

For background on the existing regulations, you can explore Title 20 of the Douglas County Code of Ordinances.