Tax Abatement Program

Worker repairing facade on the Columbian Building
For Questions and Assistance

Certified Building Department
121 E. Chestnut St
Suite 102
Lancaster, OH 43130

(740) 687-6649

building@ci.lancaster.oh.us
In 1979, the City of Lancaster established Community Reinvestment Areas (CRAs) to provide incentives to encourage the rehabilitation of facilities or structures of historical significance, the repair of existing housing, and promote economic and community development.  Within the CRA, certain types of construction can be granted tax exemptions for improvements to real property.  There are currently two CRAs; Area 1 encompasses the older section of Lancaster along with the East End and Rock Mill industrial areas, Area 2 encompasses the Historic District.  Those applying for credits within the Historic District must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Commission.

Tax Abatement Maps and Forms

Residential

  • Applies to dwellings containing no more than two units
  • 10 year exemption for remodeling where the cost is at least 50% of the current property value
  • New construction is not eligable

Multi Family Residential

  • Applies to dwellings that contain three or more units
  • 10 year exemption for remodeling where the cost is at least 50% of the current property value
  • New construction is not eligable

Commercial

  • 12 year exemption for renovation of every commercial property where the cost of renovation is at least 50% of the current property value
  • 12 year exemption for a new building where the cost of the building excluding the land is at least $250,000
  • Parcels contiguous or parallel to Memorial Drive are excluded except in the Historic District

Industrial

  • 15 year exemption for renovation of every property where the cost of renovation is at least 10% of the current property value
  • 15 year exemption for a new building where the cost of the building excluding the land is at least $250,000
  • Parcels contiguous or parallel to Memorial Drive are excluded except in the Historic District.