What We Do
The Zoning Ordinance, Section 300 of the City Code, of the City of Lancaster has been enacted for the betterment of public health, safety and general welfare of City residents and visitors. The essential function of the Zoning Ordinance is to arrange uses (residence, night club, medical center, ammunitions manufacturer, etc.) based on how they complement or contrast with each other and then permit/restrict them accordingly (by Zoning District). See the City’s interactive Zoning Map.
In addition to determining where a use is permitted, the Zoning Ordinance also establishes the required amount of parking for each use. Other regulations in the Zoning Ordinance include defining the minimum lot dimensions and sizes, maximum building heights, building and lot coverage, and required distances structures must be set back from the property boundary in each district.
As prescribed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247, the Township Zoning Officer is the sole official responsible for enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. Exceptions to regulations of the Zoning Ordinance can only be obtained by appealing to the Zoning Hearing Board. All applications must include the appropriate fees per the Zoning Fee Schedule.
For more information about zoning contact the Zoning Officer at (717) 291-4736.
2026 Filing Deadlines
December 29, 2025 for January 26 meeting
January 23 for February 23 meeting
February 20 for March 23 meeting
March 27 for April 27 meeting
April 17 for May 18 meeting
May 22 for June 22 meeting
June 26 for July 27 meeting
July 24 for August 24 meeting
August 28 for September 28 meeting
September 25 for October 26 meeting
October 23 for November 23 meeting
November 20 for December 21 meeting
Upcoming Events
The City’s Zoning Officer must approve changes in the use of land or buildings, construction of new buildings, additions or renovations of existing buildings, or installation of storage sheds, garages or parking facilities. The City’s Zoning Officer must also approve the height of fences, walls and hedges and the erection of signs, awnings or banners.
The Zoning Officer will determine if your request requires approval by the Zoning Hearing Board. If so, an application for review or approval by the Zoning Hearing Board must be filed with the Zoning Officer four weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.
Zoning Hearing Board agendas and meeting minutes, can be viewed and all applications are available online. For more information, contact our Zoning Officer, Jameel Thrash, at 717-291-4736.