The Bureau of Planning administers four ordinances of the City of Lancaster:
– Heritage Conservation District Ordinance
– Historic District Ordinance
– Stormwater Management Ordinance
– Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
– Zoning Ordinance

Through the administration of these ordinances, the Bureau of Planning provides technical assistance and staff support to the following City Boards and Commissions:
– Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB)
– Historical Commission
– Planning Commission
– Zoning Hearing Board

Application forms
HARB Application Form
Heritage Conservation District – Demolition Application 
Heritage Conservation District – New Construction Application 
Drainage Plan Approval Application
Small Project Storm Water Application Form
Subdivision and Land Development Plan Application Form

Other responsibilities of the Bureau of Planning include:
– Provide ongoing technical assistance to property owners, contractors and developers regarding land development, reuse of buildings, property improvements, rehabilitation of existing structures, requirements of City land use, historic preservation and development regulations
– Respond to citizen inquiries and requests for information regarding flood plains, storm water management, common alleys and other land and development matters
– Administer the City’s Certified Local Government Program, the Federal grant program that provides financial and technical assistance to the City for the administration of its Historic District and Heritage Conservation District Ordinances and for the provision of ongoing technical assistance to contractors and property owners rehabilitating older properties
– Assist developers and property owners in coordinating interdepartmental application reviews for major development projects
– Administer and amend, as necessary, the City’s zoning, land development, stormwater management and historic district ordinances
– Ensure the City’s compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code on matters related to the City’s Official Plan and land use/development ordinances
– For federally funded activities administered by the City, perform environmental reviews and determine impacts on historic resources
– Serve as a primary point of information for general U.S. Census data
– Maintain and update City maps and generate computer-based maps for planning and governmental uses
– Participate with county planning staff and other community planners in comprehensive planning, smart growth strategic planning, transportation planning and site-specific planning