Choose Lancaster
Strategic Advantages
The City of Lancaster benefits from many strategic advantages that reinforce its economic growth and development. Positioned at the intersection of Interstate 14 and State Route 138, Lancaster offers same-day access to key hubs such as Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Northern California, and Arizona. This strategic location not only facilitates efficient transportation, but also grants businesses access to consumer markets, ports, and distribution networks. With the future high-speed rail development on the horizon, Lancaster's connectivity is set to enhance even further and offer additional opportunities for economic expansion.
We foster a can-do attitude and healthy team spirit to accomplish our goals, as a community. By doing so, Lancaster is consistently recognized as a business-friendly City that welcomes innovation and new development.
Available Land
Lancaster is the third-largest city within Los Angeles County spanning approximately 94 square miles. This expansive land size not only allows for the preservation of natural landscapes, but also provides ample space for residential, commercial, and industrial development. The city's vast land area is instrumental in accommodating its diverse economic sectors, including the green initiatives that align with our commitment to sustainable energy. Let us help with your site search.
Since Lancaster continues to offer some of the most affordable housing in the State of California, many community members are able to build their lives, as well as work, in Lancaster. The City has a high percentage of resident homeowners, leading to a more stable workforce, stronger sense of community and a less transient-oriented population base.
Award Winning Mindset
In 2024, the City of Lancaster received its fourth Eddy Award for Most Business-Friendly City in L.A. County from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, making us the first and only city to earn this prestigious honor four times (also in 2007, 2013, and 2019). This achievement underscores Lancaster’s dedication to creating a business-friendly environment through innovative initiatives and sustainable practices.
Our commitment to local business development is further exemplified by the International Economic Development Council’s recognition of Lancaster’s achievements, with the Shop Local Program honored in 2024 for promoting the growth of locally owned small businesses. Additionally, in 2021, Lancaster received an Award in Excellence from the IEDC for our Stand Strong program. In addition to these honors, Lancaster became the world’s first Net Zero City in 2019, and by 2022, we were the first city in North America to operate a fully Net Zero transit fleet.
Incentives
Development Fee Incentive Program:
Lancaster implemented a development fee incentive program that aims to incentivize development and density within the core of the City. Depending on the location and type of project, fee reductions may range from 50% to 100%. All senior living facility projects within the City are exempt from impact fees.
Impact Fee Deferral:
In certain circumstances, impact fee payments may be deferred to time of occupancy rather than at building permit issuance.
SCIP and BOLD:
Lancaster participates in the State Community Infrastructure Program (SCIP) and Bond Opportunities for Land Development (BOLD) programs, which offer additional financing solutions for developers.
Capital Improvement Assistance:
In some cases, Lancaster offers assistance for capital improvement work and off-site improvements.
Project Fast-Tracking and Concierge Services:
Certain projects will be put on the fast-track for City approvals. Additionally, a member from the Economic Development team will serve as a liaison to get the project through the permitting process as efficiently as possible.
Preliminary Review Process:
Lancaster’s Planning team offers a preliminary review option that allows developers to get feedback on projects prior to formal submittal, saving substantial time in review. Fees paid for a preliminary review will be applied to the formal application submittal.
Concurrent Review Option:
Applicants can choose to submit at-risk to Planning and Building & Safety for concurrent plan review, saving time for developers.
Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District:
A smaller, local air quality management district allows for faster approvals and a business-friendly attitude.
Opportunity Zones:
Companies and investors seeking to invest in Opportunity Zones have 4,000 acres in five different zones to choose from in Lancaster.
Workforce Development Training:
Through partnerships with Antelope Valley College and the America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), Lancaster’s large employers can develop no cost training programs to help ensure a trained local workforce.
Small Business Development Center:
Lancaster partners with the Small Business Development Center to offer assistance to new startups and small businesses.
Site Selection Assistance:
An Economic Development team member can utilizes resources, networks, data and knowledge to assist developers and businesses to find sites within Lancaster to match their needs.
Opportunity Zones
Through Opportunity Zones, investors can defer their capital gains taxes and permanently exclude taxable income on capital gains from the sale or exchange of an investment in an Opportunity Fund.
Explore the Opportunity Zone map to see if your desired location falls within an Opportunity Zone.