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.