Lancaster City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 1133

Commercial Districts

1133.01 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD).

(a) Purpose.

To promote and foster the economic and physical revitalization of the historic downtown of the City of Lancaster.

To recognize the unique physical characteristics of the area and preserve the historic mixed use, character, and pedestrian focus of the City.

To continue to promote a mixture of uses, to support entrepreneurship and start-up businesses.

To encourage walkability by creating pedestrian connections between these mixed uses.

To encourage investment in and adaptive reuse of existing structures.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Central Business District
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage	None
Minimum Front Setback	None, except when the proposed structure is located between two existing structures on adjacent lots, then utilize average front setback as defined in Chapter 1161 .
Maximum Front Setback	Ten (10), except however, up to fifty (50) percent of a building's façade may be setback more than the required maximum front setback, if the required public gathering space is located in front of this portion of the building. In such cases, a decorative wall or fence shall be installed in front of the public gathering space to help enhance the overall streetscape.
Minimum Side Setback	None
Minimum Rear Setback	None
Residential Density	30 units/acre
Parking in front of Principal Building	Prohibited
Maximum Height	Seventy-five (75), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Minimum amount of private gathering spaces for residential units (Patio/Balcony)	50 sq. ft. per unit
Public Open/Gathering Space (may include plazas, public patios, outdoor dining areas, courtyards, or common rooftop garden areas)	5% of gross square footage of all buildings

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05 .
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed between the minimum and maximum setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Parking must be provided in accordance with Chapter 1143 . Parking is prohibited in front of the principal structure. Parking may encroach a side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 . Blade signs may encroach the public right-of-way when approved by the City Engineer.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)

1133.02 COMMERCIAL - NEIGHBORHOOD (CN).

(a) Purpose.

To promote small scale commercial and office uses that serve the daily needs of the adjacent nearby residential uses.

Designed to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian access with proper connections to adjoining residential neighborhoods.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Commercial Neighborhood
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage (Feet)	None
Minimum Front Setback (Feet)	10
Maximum Front Setback (Feet)	60
Minimum Side Setback (Feet)	10, except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits one (1) unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10 .
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet)	Twenty (20), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits one-unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10.
Maximum Height (Feet)	Thirty-five (35), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent)	80

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed in the required setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Limited - Parking is permitted in front of a principal building, but it is encouraged to be placed to the side or rear of the principal building. Parking may encroach a front, side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 , may be located within a front setback.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)

1133.03 COMMERCIAL - GENERAL (CG).

(a) Purpose.

To accommodate uses that generate a high degree of vehicular traffic while integrating safe and appropriate pedestrian connections.

To create design standards that include increased setbacks and building height to allow for these more intense business uses within high growth corridors.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Commercial - General
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage (Feet)	50
Minimum Front Setback (Feet)	50 (Arterial and Collector) 25 (all other roads)
Maximum Front Setback (Feet)	N/A
Minimum Side Setback (Feet)	Twenty (20), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits single unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10.
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet)	Twenty-five (25), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits single unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10 .
Maximum Height (Feet)	Sixty (60), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent)	80

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed in the required setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Limited - Parking is permitted in front of a principal building, but it is encouraged to be placed to the side or rear of the principal building. Parking may encroach a front, side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 , may encroach a front setback.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)

Lancaster City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 1133

Commercial Districts

1133.01 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD).

(a) Purpose.

To promote and foster the economic and physical revitalization of the historic downtown of the City of Lancaster.

To recognize the unique physical characteristics of the area and preserve the historic mixed use, character, and pedestrian focus of the City.

To continue to promote a mixture of uses, to support entrepreneurship and start-up businesses.

To encourage walkability by creating pedestrian connections between these mixed uses.

To encourage investment in and adaptive reuse of existing structures.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Central Business District
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage	None
Minimum Front Setback	None, except when the proposed structure is located between two existing structures on adjacent lots, then utilize average front setback as defined in Chapter 1161 .
Maximum Front Setback	Ten (10), except however, up to fifty (50) percent of a building's façade may be setback more than the required maximum front setback, if the required public gathering space is located in front of this portion of the building. In such cases, a decorative wall or fence shall be installed in front of the public gathering space to help enhance the overall streetscape.
Minimum Side Setback	None
Minimum Rear Setback	None
Residential Density	30 units/acre
Parking in front of Principal Building	Prohibited
Maximum Height	Seventy-five (75), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Minimum amount of private gathering spaces for residential units (Patio/Balcony)	50 sq. ft. per unit
Public Open/Gathering Space (may include plazas, public patios, outdoor dining areas, courtyards, or common rooftop garden areas)	5% of gross square footage of all buildings

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05 .
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed between the minimum and maximum setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Parking must be provided in accordance with Chapter 1143 . Parking is prohibited in front of the principal structure. Parking may encroach a side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 . Blade signs may encroach the public right-of-way when approved by the City Engineer.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)

1133.02 COMMERCIAL - NEIGHBORHOOD (CN).

(a) Purpose.

To promote small scale commercial and office uses that serve the daily needs of the adjacent nearby residential uses.

Designed to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian access with proper connections to adjoining residential neighborhoods.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Commercial Neighborhood
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage (Feet)	None
Minimum Front Setback (Feet)	10
Maximum Front Setback (Feet)	60
Minimum Side Setback (Feet)	10, except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits one (1) unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10 .
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet)	Twenty (20), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits one-unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10.
Maximum Height (Feet)	Thirty-five (35), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent)	80

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed in the required setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Limited - Parking is permitted in front of a principal building, but it is encouraged to be placed to the side or rear of the principal building. Parking may encroach a front, side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 , may be located within a front setback.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)

1133.03 COMMERCIAL - GENERAL (CG).

(a) Purpose.

To accommodate uses that generate a high degree of vehicular traffic while integrating safe and appropriate pedestrian connections.

To create design standards that include increased setbacks and building height to allow for these more intense business uses within high growth corridors.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Commercial - General
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage (Feet)	50
Minimum Front Setback (Feet)	50 (Arterial and Collector) 25 (all other roads)
Maximum Front Setback (Feet)	N/A
Minimum Side Setback (Feet)	Twenty (20), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits single unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10.
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet)	Twenty-five (25), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits single unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10 .
Maximum Height (Feet)	Sixty (60), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent)	80

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed in the required setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Limited - Parking is permitted in front of a principal building, but it is encouraged to be placed to the side or rear of the principal building. Parking may encroach a front, side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 , may encroach a front setback.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)

Lancaster City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 1133

Commercial Districts

1133.01 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD).

(a) Purpose.

To promote and foster the economic and physical revitalization of the historic downtown of the City of Lancaster.

To recognize the unique physical characteristics of the area and preserve the historic mixed use, character, and pedestrian focus of the City.

To continue to promote a mixture of uses, to support entrepreneurship and start-up businesses.

To encourage walkability by creating pedestrian connections between these mixed uses.

To encourage investment in and adaptive reuse of existing structures.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Central Business District
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage	None
Minimum Front Setback	None, except when the proposed structure is located between two existing structures on adjacent lots, then utilize average front setback as defined in Chapter 1161 .
Maximum Front Setback	Ten (10), except however, up to fifty (50) percent of a building's façade may be setback more than the required maximum front setback, if the required public gathering space is located in front of this portion of the building. In such cases, a decorative wall or fence shall be installed in front of the public gathering space to help enhance the overall streetscape.
Minimum Side Setback	None
Minimum Rear Setback	None
Residential Density	30 units/acre
Parking in front of Principal Building	Prohibited
Maximum Height	Seventy-five (75), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Minimum amount of private gathering spaces for residential units (Patio/Balcony)	50 sq. ft. per unit
Public Open/Gathering Space (may include plazas, public patios, outdoor dining areas, courtyards, or common rooftop garden areas)	5% of gross square footage of all buildings

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05 .
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed between the minimum and maximum setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Parking must be provided in accordance with Chapter 1143 . Parking is prohibited in front of the principal structure. Parking may encroach a side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 . Blade signs may encroach the public right-of-way when approved by the City Engineer.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)

1133.02 COMMERCIAL - NEIGHBORHOOD (CN).

(a) Purpose.

To promote small scale commercial and office uses that serve the daily needs of the adjacent nearby residential uses.

Designed to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian access with proper connections to adjoining residential neighborhoods.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Commercial Neighborhood
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage (Feet)	None
Minimum Front Setback (Feet)	10
Maximum Front Setback (Feet)	60
Minimum Side Setback (Feet)	10, except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits one (1) unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10 .
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet)	Twenty (20), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits one-unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10.
Maximum Height (Feet)	Thirty-five (35), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent)	80

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed in the required setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Limited - Parking is permitted in front of a principal building, but it is encouraged to be placed to the side or rear of the principal building. Parking may encroach a front, side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 , may be located within a front setback.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)

1133.03 COMMERCIAL - GENERAL (CG).

(a) Purpose.

To accommodate uses that generate a high degree of vehicular traffic while integrating safe and appropriate pedestrian connections.

To create design standards that include increased setbacks and building height to allow for these more intense business uses within high growth corridors.

(b) Target Areas.

(c) Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses. See Section 1125.03 - Permitted, Special Exception, and Accessory Uses for each District.

(d) Lot Area, Setback, Height, and Lot Coverage Requirements.

Development Standards	Commercial - General
Minimum Lot Size (Sq. Ft.)	None
Minimum Frontage (Feet)	50
Minimum Front Setback (Feet)	50 (Arterial and Collector) 25 (all other roads)
Maximum Front Setback (Feet)	N/A
Minimum Side Setback (Feet)	Twenty (20), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits single unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10.
Minimum Rear Setback (Feet)	Twenty-five (25), except however, when a side or rear lot line abuts an existing residential use or District that permits single unit dwellings, then a buffer shall be provided in accordance with Section 1141.10 .
Maximum Height (Feet)	Sixty (60), except however, mechanical equipment and/or ventilation systems may extend up to ten feet above the height of the building. Said mechanical equipment/ventilation systems must be screened from view by parapet walls, mansard roofs or other screening material approved by the City Planner or designee, provided said material has one hundred (100) percent opacity year-round.
Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent)	80

(e) Example Lot Layout and Rendering.

(f) General Development Regulations.

	Applicable	Section Reference	Notes
Accessory Structures	Y	Section 1147.02	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 1147.05	Fences and walls may be placed in a required minimum setback provided they comply with Section 1147.05.
Landscaping/ Buffering	Y	Chapter 1141	Plant material and berms may be placed in the required setbacks provided they do not constitute a nuisance as provided in the Lancaster Codified Ordinances.
Parking	Y	Chapter 1143	Limited - Parking is permitted in front of a principal building, but it is encouraged to be placed to the side or rear of the principal building. Parking may encroach a front, side or rear setback provided the parking is no closer than five feet from said lot line.
Signs	Y	Chapter 1145	Signs, provided they comply with Section Chapter 1145 , may encroach a front setback.

(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)