Lancaster City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1129
Residential Districts
1129.01 RESIDENTIAL ESTATE (RE).
(a) Purpose.
To promote development of one-unit residential dwellings on larger residential lots.
To allow for typical suburban style residential developments.
To allow for minimal non-residential uses, such as schools and parks, that are compatible with and maintain the overall residential character of the area and to provide pedestrian connections between such uses.
(b) Target Areas.
(c) Permitted, Special Exception and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.02
- Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.
(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements
Development Standards | Residential Estate |
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.) | 22,500 |
Maximum Density (utilize net acres) | 1.94 dwelling units/acre |
Minimum Frontage (Feet) | 150 |
Minimum Front Setback (Feet) | 35 |
Maximum Front Setback (Feet) | N/A |
Minimum Side Setback (Feet) | 15 |
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet) | 25 |
Maximum Height (Feet) | 35 |
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) | 35 |
Projection into required setback Cornices, canopies, eaves (roof overhang), fireplaces-chimneys, bay window, porch, stoop, or other similar architectural features may project into a required setback up to two (2) feet. | |
Exemptions from required side and rear setbacks Swimming pools, tennis courts, clotheslines, barbeque pits, playground equipment, portable or permanent dog run, house or kennel and similar structures customary and ancillary to the primary residential use of the property may be placed in a required minimum side or rear setback, but in no case shall such uses be closer than ten (10) feet from a side or rear lot line | |
(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.
 |
(f) General Development Regulations.
Applicable | Section Reference | Notes | |
Accessory Structures | Y | Section | Detached Accessory Structures may encroach a side or rear setback but shall be no closer than ten (10) feet from the side or rear lot line. Accessory structures shall also comply with all other requirements in Section 1147.02.
|
Fences | Y | Section | Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05
|
Landscaping/ Buffering | Y | Chapter | Plant material and berms may be placed in any required minimum setback provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances. |
Parking | Y | Chapter | Parking must be provided in accordance with Chapter 1143
. Parking is prohibited on lawns or other unpaved areas. |
Signs | Y | Chapter |
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1129.02 RESIDENTIAL - LOW DENSITY (R-LD).
(a) Purpose.
To allow for typical suburban style residential developments in a Low-density setting.
To allow for minimal non-residential uses, such as schools and parks, that are compatible with and maintain the overall residential character of the area and to provide for pedestrian connections between such uses.
(b) Target Areas.
(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.02
- Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.
(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.
Development Standards | Residential - Low Density |
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.) | 9,500 |
Maximum Density (utilize net acres) | 4.56 dwelling units/acre |
Minimum Frontage (Feet) | 70 |
Minimum Front Setback (Feet) | 35 (for all roads) |
Maximum Front Setback (Feet) | N/A |
Minimum Side Setback (Feet) (One side may be reduced to 5 feet) | 10 |
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet) | 25 |
Maximum Height (Feet) | 35 |
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) | 35 |
Projection into required setback Cornices, canopies, eaves (roof overhang), fireplaces-chimneys, bay window, porch, stoop, or other similar architectural features may project into a required setback up to two (2) feet. | |
Exemptions from required side and rear setbacks Swimming pools, tennis courts, clotheslines, barbeque pits, playground equipment, portable or permanent dog run, house or kennel and similar structures customary and ancillary to the primary residential use of the property may be placed in a required minimum side or rear setback, but in no case shall such uses be closer than ten (10) feet from a side or rear lot line | |
(e) Example Lot Layiut and Rendering.
 |
(f) General Development Regulations.
Applicable | Section Reference | Notes | |
Accessory Structures | Y | Section | Detached Accessory Structures may encroach a side or rear setback but shall be no closer than ten (10) feet from the side or rear lot line. Accessory structures shall also comply with all other requirements in Section 1147.02.
|
Fences | Y | Section | Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
|
Landscaping/ Buffering | Y | Chapter | Plant material and berms may be placed in any required minimum setback provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances. |
Parking | Y | Chapter | Parking must be provided in accordance with Chapter 1143
. Parking is prohibited on lawns or other unpaved areas. |
Signs | Y | Chapter |
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1129.03 RESIDENTIAL - MEDIUM DENSITY (R-MD).
(a) Purpose.
To promote redevelopment of one-unit residential dwellings on moderately sized lots where off-street parking may or may not be provided.
To promote new residential development on moderately sized lots with off-street parking.
To accommodate the growing trend of patio homes and other similar products.
To allow for minimal non-residential uses, such as schools and parks, that are compatible with and maintain the overall residential character of the area and to provide pedestrian connections between such uses.
(b) Target Areas.
(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.02
- Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.
(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.
Development Standards | Residential - Medium Density |
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.) | 5,000 |
Maximum Density (utilize net acres) | 8.71 dwelling units/acre |
Minimum Frontage (feet) | 50 |
Minimum Front Setback (Feet) | 35 (arterial roadways) 25 (All other roadways) |
Maximum Front Setback (feet) | N/A |
Minimum Side Setback (Feet) | 5 |
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet) | 20 |
Maximum Height (Feet) | 35 |
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) | 35 |
Projection into required setback Cornices, canopies, eaves (roof overhang), fireplaces-chimneys, bay window, porch, stoop, or other similar architectural features may project into a required setback up to two (2) feet. | |
Exemptions from required side and rear setbacks Swimming pools, tennis courts, clotheslines, barbeque pits, playground equipment, portable or permanent dog run, house or kennel and similar structures customary and ancillary to the primary residential use of the property may be placed in a required minimum side or rear setback, but in no case shall such uses be closer than ten (10) feet from a side or rear lot line | |
(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.
(f) General Development Regulations.
Applicable | Section Reference | Notes | |
Accessory Structures | Y | Section | Detached Accessory Structures may encroach a side or rear setback but shall be no closer than five (5) feet from the side or rear lot line. Accessory structures shall also comply with all other requirements in Section 1147.02.
|
Fences | Y | Section | Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
|
Landscaping/ Buffering | Y | Chapter | Plant material and berms may be placed in any required minimum setback provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances. |
Parking | Y | Chapter | Parking must be provided in accordance with Chapter 1143
. Parking is prohibited on lawns or other unpaved areas. |
Signs | Y | Chapter |
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1129.04 RESIDENTIAL - MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY (MHC).
(a) Purpose.
To provide areas for mobile homes and tiny homes to enable a desirable residential environment, protected from adverse neighboring influences, with adequate access for vehicular traffic and circulation.
To limit excessive vehicular traffic on streets in adjoining neighborhoods by providing pedestrian connections.
To provide overall desirability equivalent to that for other forms of residential development.
(b) Target Areas.
(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.02
- Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.
(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.
Development Standards | Mobile Home Community (MHC) |
Minimum Tract Size | 5 acres |
Minimum Tract Width (Feet) | 200 |
Minimum Lot Frontage (Feet) | 40 |
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.) | 3,600 |
Minimum Front Setback (Feet) | 25 from Arterial or Collector 10 from internal private roads |
Minimum Side Setback (Feet) | 5 |
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet) | 10 |
Maximum Height (Feet) | 25 |
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) | 45 |
Projection into required setback Projection into required setback Cornices, canopies, eaves (roof overhang), fireplaces-chimneys, bay window, porch, stoop, or other similar architectural features may project into a required setback up to two feet. | |
Exemptions from required side and rear setbacks Exemptions from required side and rear setbacks Swimming pools, tennis courts, clotheslines, barbeque pits, playground equipment, portable or permanent dog run, house or kennel and similar structures customary and ancillary to the primary residential use of the property may be placed in a required minimum side or rear setback, but in no case shall such uses be closer than five (5) feet from a side or rear lot line. A minimum of six (6) percent of the total gross tract area shall be provided as common open space and facilities including trails, playgrounds, community buildings or tot lots. | |
(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.
(f) General Development Regulations.
Applicable | Section Reference | Notes | |
Accessory Structures | Y | Section | Detached Accessory Structures may encroach a side or rear setback but shall be no closer than five (5) feet from the side or rear lot line. Accessory structures shall also comply with all other requirements in Section 1147.02.
|
Fences | Y | Section | Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
|
Landscaping/ Buffering | Y | Chapter | Plant material and berms may be placed in any required minimum setback provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances. |
Parking | Y | Chapter | Parking must be provided in accordance with Chapter 1143
. Parking is prohibited on lawns or other unpaved areas. |
Signs | Y | Chapter |
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1129.05 RESIDENTIAL - TRANSITIONAL (RT).
(a) Purpose.
To provide for a variety of housing options including one-unit dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, and traditional row houses integrated with small residential scale retail and office uses with pedestrian connections between such uses.
To foster reinvestment into vacant and/or deteriorating commercial structures integrated into existing residential areas.
To promote a walkable community by creating pedestrian connections between the various uses.
To encourage residential infill development on existing, narrow lots.
To increase the housing supply and enhance streetscapes by redeveloping vacant properties and promote housing options on small lots.
(b) Target Areas.
(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.02
- Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.
(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.
Development Standards | Residential - Transitional |
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.) | 3,600 |
Maximum Density (utilize net acres) | 12 units/acre |
Minimum Frontage (feet) | 40 |
Minimum Front Setback (Feet) Arterial Roadway | 20 |
Minimum Front Setback (Feet) All other roadways | No minimum - Utilize average front setback as defined in Chapter 1161 |
Maximum Front Setback (Feet) | 35 |
Minimum Side Setback (Feet) | 5 |
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet) | 15 |
Maximum Height (Feet) | 35 |
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) | 45 |
Projection into required setback Cornices, canopies, eaves (roof overhang), fireplaces-chimneys, bay window, porch, stoop, or other similar architectural features may project into a required setback up to two feet. | |
Exemptions from required side and rear setbacks Swimming pools, tennis courts, clotheslines, barbeque pits, playground equipment, portable or permanent dog run, house or kennel and similar structures customary and ancillary to the primary residential use of the property may be placed in a required minimum side or rear setback, but in no case shall such uses be closer than five (5) feet from a side or rear lot line. | |
(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.
(f) General Development Regulations.
Applicable | Section Reference | Notes | |
Accessory Structures | Y | Section | Detached Accessory Structures may encroach a side or rear setback but shall be no closer than five (5) feet from the side or rear lot line. Accessory structures shall also comply with all other requirements in Section 1147.02.
|
Fences | Y | Section | Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05
. |
Landscaping/ Buffering | Y | Chapter | Plant material and berms may be placed in any required minimum setback provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances. |
Parking | Y | Chapter | Parking must be provided in accordance with Section Chapter 1143
. Parking for multi-unit buildings should be placed to the side or rear of the principal structure. Parking is prohibited on lawns or other unpaved areas. |
Signs | Y | Chapter |
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1129.06 RESIDENTIAL - MULTI-UNIT (RM).
(a) Purpose.
To provide for larger, denser multi-unit developments which include apartment complexes, condominiums, triplexes, and townhomes.
To allow for a broad spectrum of housing choices including senior housing options to accommodate the aging population.
To provide workforce housing to serve the employees of industries within and adjacent to the City of Lancaster.
To create walkability within these developments and create pedestrian connections to adjacent areas.
(b) Target Areas.
(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.02
- Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.
(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.
Development Standards | Residential -Multi-Unit |
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.) | One Unit Dwelling Lot = 3,600 All other dwelling units = 2,500 per unit Non-Residential Buildings = 4,000 |
Maximum Density (utilize net acres) | 17.42 units/acre |
Minimum Frontage (Feet) | Multi-Unit Dwellings and Non-Residential Buildings = 80 One Unit Dwelling, Duplexes and Triplexes = 50 |
Minimum Front Setback (Feet) | 35 (Public Arterial, Collector, and Local Roads) 10 (Internal Private Roads) |
Maximum Front Setback (Feet) | N/A |
Minimum Side Setback (Feet) | One Unit Dwelling = 5 Duplexes = 5 Triplexes = 5 Multi-Unit Dwellings = 1' setback per 1' of building height; Non-Residential Buildings = 1' setback per 1' of building height |
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet) | One Unit Dwelling = 15 Duplexes =15 Triplexes = 15 Multi-Unit Dwellings = 1' setback per 1' of building height Non-Residential Buildings = 1' setback per 1' building height |
Maximum Height (Feet) | 50 |
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) | 80 |
Projection into required setback Cornices, canopies, eaves (roof overhang), fireplaces-chimneys, bay window, porch, stoop, or other similar architectural features may project into a required setback up to two feet. | |
Exemptions from required side and rear setbacks Swimming pools, tennis courts, clotheslines, barbeque pits, playground equipment, portable or permanent dog run, house or kennel and similar structures customary and ancillary to the primary residential use of the property may be placed in a required minimum side or rear setback, but in no case shall such uses be closer than five (5) feet from a side or rear lot line. | |
(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.
(f) General Development Regulations.
Applicable | Section Reference | Notes | |
Accessory Structures | Y | Section | Detached Accessory Structures may encroach a side or rear setback but shall be no closer than five (5) feet from the side or rear lot line. Accessory structures shall also comply with all other requirements in Section 1147.02.
|
Fences | Y | Section | Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
|
Landscaping/ Buffering | Y | Chapter | Plant material and berms may be placed in any required minimum setback provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances. |
Parking | Y | Chapter | Parking must be provided in accordance with Chapter 1143
. Parking for multi-unit buildings should be placed to the side or rear of the principal structure. Parking is prohibited on lawns or other unpaved areas. |
Signs | Y | Chapter |
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)