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Last indexed May 23, 2026
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Lancaster's governance reflects two primary focuses: managing structural fiscal pressures and regulating residential development patterns. The City of Lancaster faces a significant budget challenge where property taxes—its largest revenue source at ~$30 million annually—inadequately cover public safety expenses (police and fire), which consume roughly 60% of the budget; this structural imbalance necessitated the first property tax increase in four years (8%) in 2023 due to rising medical, pension, and inflation costs. At the township level, zoning regulations have become a central governance concern, evidenced by frequent Zoning Hearing Board activity and recent ordinance amendments (2022-02) clarifying definitions for short-term rentals and boarding houses to protect community character. Tax administration across Lancaster County is also being actively managed, with notable 2025 tax rate adjustments including increases to 1.60% Earned Income Tax for specific school districts (Conestoga Valley and Lampeter-Strasburg annexes in Lancaster City). Overall, the governance focus balances addressing municipal budget sustainability with controlling residential density and rental housing through zoning enforcement.
LANCASTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION 1240 Maple Avenue Lancaster PA 17603
The Lancaster Township Planning Commission held its regular meeting on January 21, 2025, where officers were reelected unanimously for 2025. The Commission approved a modification and waiver request for a stormwater management project at 631 Conestoga Boulevard, allowing the applicant to proceed with a Minor Land Disturbance Plan for adding a swimming pool, garage, and other structures to the property, despite the work involving fill in the floodplain, based on the engineer's determination that there would be no negative impacts. The Commission also discussed informal concerns about work at 80 Jackson Drive, noting that no permit applications have been submitted and that any modifications to the historic property would require approval from the Historic Commission and Board of Supervisors.
LANCASTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 1240 Maple Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors held a meeting on May 12, 2025, with Chair Iber Guerrero Lopez and Vice Chair Steven Elliott present. The board approved April meeting minutes, reviewed treasurer reports showing total funds of $10,831,455.21 across three accounts, and unanimously approved bills totaling $574,983.47 for April. The meeting included an executive session on contractual and legal matters, discussion of River Drive improvements with resident input, and reports from fire services showing 43 combined calls for service in April, with upcoming community events scheduled for May 31st and June 7th.
Last 12 months
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Monday, May 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
May 12, 2025
Latest minutesCOUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025
Dec 10, 2025
Latest proposalZoning Ordinance Amendment
Latest budgetTCD CODE COUNTY OF ORIGIN SD/MUNI NAME PSD CODE Resident Non Resident $'s/Year
Lancasterny
Feb 17, 7105