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.
Quick Links

Ohio Department of Development
Fairfield County Economic Development
Historic Lancaster Commission

Tax Abatement Maps and Forms

Residential Renovations

  • Applies to dwellings containing no more than two units
  • 10-year exemption for  renovation of an existing dwelling where the cost of renovation is at least 50% of the current value of the structure (excluding the land)
  • New residential construction is not eligible

Multi Family Residential

  • Applies to dwellings that contain three or more units
  • 15-year exemption for new multi-family construction

Commercial

  • 12-year exemption for renovation of a commercial building where the cost of renovation is at least 50% of the current value of the structure (excluding the land)
  • 12-year exemption for a new commercial building where the cost of the structure (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 an industrial building where the cost of renovation is at least 10% of the current value of the structure (excluding the land)
  • 15-year exemption for a new industrial building where the cost of the structure (excluding the land) is at least $250,000
  • Parcels contiguous or parallel to Memorial Drive are excluded except in the Historic District.