How-To Guides - City of Lancaster

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How to Apply for a Building Permit

Permits & Licenses Estimated time: 30-45 minutes

What You'll Need

Property address and parcel number
Project plans and specifications
Contractor license information (if applicable)
Payment method (credit card, check, or cash)

1

Gather Required Documents

Collect your property documents, project plans, and contractor information. Plans must be drawn to scale and include all structural details.
2

Complete the Application

Fill out the Building Permit Application form. You can download it from our Documents page or pick up a copy at City Hall.
3

Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application and documents online through our portal, by mail, or in person at the Building Department (123 Main St, Room 200).
4

Pay the Application Fee

Permit fees vary based on project value. Residential permits start at $150. See our Services & Fees page for complete pricing.
5

Wait for Review

Plan review typically takes 10-15 business days. You'll receive an email notification when your permit is ready or if additional information is needed.
6

Pick Up Your Permit

Once approved, pick up your permit at City Hall or download it from your online account. Display the permit visibly at the job site.

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How to Pay Your Utility Bill

Payments & Bills Estimated time: 5-10 minutes

Payment Options Available

Online payment (credit/debit card, bank transfer)
Automatic payment (AutoPay enrollment)
Phone payment: (661) 555-1234
In-person at City Hall or drop boxes
Mail payment to PO Box 1234, Lancaster, CA 93534

1

Locate Your Account Number

Find your 10-digit account number on your utility bill statement. It's located in the top right corner of your bill.
2

Choose Your Payment Method

Select from online, phone, mail, or in-person payment. Online payments are processed immediately; mail payments require 5-7 business days.
3

For Online Payment: Log In or Register

Visit the City Payment Portal. New users can register with their account number and service address. Returning users can log in with their credentials.
4

Enter Payment Information

Enter your payment amount and select your payment method. You can pay the full balance, minimum due, or a custom amount.
5

Confirm and Save Receipt

Review your payment details and submit. Save or print your confirmation number for your records. You'll also receive an email confirmation.

📞

How to Report a City Issue

City Services Estimated time: 5 minutes

Types of Issues You Can Report

Potholes and road damage
Streetlight outages
Graffiti and vandalism
Illegal dumping
Fallen trees or branches
Water main breaks

1

Identify the Issue Location

Note the exact address or cross streets where the issue is located. Take a photo if possible to help our crews locate and assess the problem.
2

Choose How to Report

Report online through our Issue Report Form, call 311 or (661) 555-1234, or use the Lancaster 311 mobile app available on iOS and Android.
3

Select the Issue Type

Choose the category that best describes your issue (Roads, Lighting, Parks, Water, etc.). This helps route your report to the right department.
4

Provide Details

Describe the issue in detail. Include size, severity, and any safety concerns. Upload photos if available. Provide your contact info for follow-up.
5

Track Your Report

You'll receive a tracking number via email or text. Use this to check the status of your report online or by calling 311.

🚀

How to Start a Business in Lancaster

Business Estimated time: 2-4 weeks (full process)

What You'll Need

Business name and structure (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietor)
EIN (Employer Identification Number) from IRS
Business location address
Zoning verification for your business type
State seller's permit (if selling goods)

1

Choose Your Business Structure

Decide on your business type: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC, or Corporation. Consider consulting with a business attorney or accountant.
2

Register Your Business Name

File a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) with Los Angeles County if using a name different from your legal name. LLCs and Corporations register with the California Secretary of State.
3

Get Your EIN

Apply for a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS at irs.gov. This is required for tax purposes and opening a business bank account.
4

Check Zoning Requirements

Contact our Planning Department to verify your business type is allowed at your chosen location. Some businesses require a Conditional Use Permit.
5

Apply for City Business License

Complete the Business License Application. Annual fees start at $75 for home-based businesses. Commercial locations have additional requirements.
6

Obtain Required Permits

Depending on your business type, you may need health permits, fire permits, sign permits, or building permits. Our Business Concierge can help identify what you need.
7

Open for Business

Once all permits are approved, you're ready to open! Consider joining the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce for networking and support.

📅

How to Register for City Events

City Services Estimated time: 5 minutes

What You'll Need

Valid email address
Contact information
Payment method (for paid events)
Emergency contact (for activities/classes)

1

Browse Available Events

Visit our Events Calendar to see upcoming city events, classes, and activities. Filter by date, category, or location.
2

Select Your Event

Click on an event to view details including date, time, location, cost, and registration requirements. Check available spots for limited-capacity events.
3

Click Register/RSVP

Click the registration button. Free events use RSVP; paid events require online payment. Some events allow walk-in registration.
4

Complete Registration Form

Enter your name, email, phone, and number of attendees. For youth programs, parent/guardian information and emergency contacts are required.
5

Confirm and Save

Review your registration and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email with event details. Add it to your calendar using the provided link.

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How to Apply for Housing Assistance

City Services Estimated time: 45-60 minutes

Programs Available

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
Emergency Rental Assistance
Senior Housing Programs
Home Rehabilitation Loans

1

Check Eligibility

Review income limits and requirements for each program. Most programs are based on household income as a percentage of Area Median Income (AMI).
2

Gather Required Documents

Collect proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), ID for all household members, Social Security cards, and current lease or housing information.
3

Complete the Application

Fill out the Housing Assistance Application online or download the form. Applications must include all household members' information.
4

Submit Application

Submit online, by mail, or in person at the Housing Authority office. Keep a copy of your application and all documents for your records.
5

Await Processing

Applications are processed in order received. Wait times vary by program. You'll be contacted if additional information is needed.
6

Attend Interview (If Required)

Some programs require an in-person interview. Bring all original documents and be prepared to answer questions about your household.

Available Guides

How to Apply for a Building Permit

What You'll Need

Gather Required Documents

Complete the Application

Submit Your Application

Pay the Application Fee

Wait for Review

Pick Up Your Permit

How to Pay Your Utility Bill

Payment Options Available

Locate Your Account Number

Choose Your Payment Method

For Online Payment: Log In or Register

Enter Payment Information

Confirm and Save Receipt

How to Report a City Issue

Types of Issues You Can Report

Identify the Issue Location

Choose How to Report

Select the Issue Type

Provide Details

Track Your Report

How to Start a Business in Lancaster

What You'll Need

Choose Your Business Structure

Register Your Business Name

Get Your EIN

Check Zoning Requirements

Apply for City Business License

Obtain Required Permits

Open for Business

How to Register for City Events

What You'll Need

Browse Available Events

Select Your Event

Click Register/RSVP

Complete Registration Form

Confirm and Save

How to Apply for Housing Assistance

Programs Available

Check Eligibility

Gather Required Documents

Complete the Application

Submit Application

Await Processing

Attend Interview (If Required)

Need More Help?