The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), which consists of five Mayor-appointed members, hears requests for special exemptions, both use and area variances, and appeals regarding administrative decisions, HLC decisions, and floodplain issues. BZA meetings provide people an opportunity to express support or concern for potential changes that could directly impact them or their property. The quasi-judicial BZA considers the zoning text and any public comments before making a ruling on a case.

The long-term preservation and enhancement of Lancaster’s historic properties is a local goal that has been established through years of planning and implementation of programs that promote revitalization rather than demolition. Revitalization of historic areas and buildings preserves a sense of place, and promotes economic development and community pride. The Historic Lancaster Commission reviews architectural projects that fall within the historic preservation district overlay for consistency with the Historic Lancaster Design Guidelines which were adopted in 2008. To determine if your address falls within the overlay district, please check the address list, or contact P&Z staff.

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. The CRA Housing Council meets annually to inspect sites with current tax abatements, and to review applications and appeals for the program. For additional information on the available tax exemptions and qualifications, please visit the tax abatement program page.