How long does it take for Planning Department to review my application?
It depends on the submittal and level of environmental review. Most land divisions and development submittals involving new construction take 3 to 4 months for review. Development submittals requiring an environmental impact report (EIR) will take longer. Land use requests not involving construction can be processed within days or weeks, depending on complexity. Land use requests that require a public hearing before the Planning Commission, such as conditional use permits for alcohol, can be processed in 2 months, depending on scheduling.
How can I obtain a copy of a City Resolution or Ordinance?
What are the development standards / setbacks / parking / landscape requirements for a property?
The Lancaster Municipal Code is available on-line. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Planning Department at 661-723-6100 during normal business hours.
Can I build a guest house or second house on my property?
A single-family lot greater than 7,000 square feet with an existing house may have an additional guest house or second house (accessory dwelling unit) if the added house can be built within the required yard setbacks and without exceeding lot coverage requirements. The property owner must reside on the property. For more information, see Section 17.08.230 (guest houses), and Section 17.08.240 (accessory dwelling units) of the Lancaster Municipal Code.
What is a General Plan?
The General Plan is a document consisting of text and maps that are adopted by the City Council to guide the City’s future. The General Plan has been described as the constitution for conservation and development – the framework within which decisions on how to grow, provide public services and facilities, and protect and enhance the community must be made. The General Plan is considered the blueprint for the future physical development of the City.
Where is my property line?
Only a licensed Land Surveyor or a Registered Civil Engineer licensed to practice surveying in the State of California can precisely locate property lines. If the property line must be precisely located, such as for construction of a property line wall, then the property owner must hire a licensed professional Land Surveyor or Registered Civil Engineer as indicated above to perform a lot survey. The City does not provide this service.
How do I divide my property (subdivision)?
All land divisions are subject to the State Subdivision Map Act, and as a result, the City requires land divisions for 4 or fewer parcels to go through a Tentative Parcel Map process, and land divisions of 5 or more parcels to go through a Tentative Tract Map process. This process requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission. After the Planning Commission approval, the applicant would submit for Final Map review with Engineering Department. The City recommends that applicants consult the services of a civil engineer for land divisions.
What is the zoning on a property?
If you know the exact location of the property, you can check the zoning using the City's zoning map, which is available by clicking here. To verify zoning on a property, contact the Planning Department at 661-723-6100, and have the address and/or the assessor's parcel number (APN) of the property ready.
