City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan
Annual Progress Report
Prepared by:
Community Development Department
44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................3 GENERAL PLAN BACKGROUND AND AMENDMENTS.....................................................................................4 General Plan Background ..........................................................................................................................4 Pending General Plan Amendments in 2025 .............................................................................................4 Compliance with State Law and the General Plan Guidelines ...................................................................6 Recent or Active Zoning Amendments and Long-Range Projects..................................................................6 Zoning Amendments .................................................................................................................................6 Long-Range Projects..................................................................................................................................6 STATUS OF RHNA OBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................................7 Entitlement and Permit Activity in 2025 ...................................................................................................7 GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STATUS..................................................................................................8 Plan for the Natural Environment/Conservation Element ........................................................................9 Safety Element (2022).............................................................................................................................11 Plan for Active Living/Open Space ..........................................................................................................13 Circulation Element (2020)......................................................................................................................15 Plan for Municipal Services and Facilities................................................................................................16 Plan for Economic Development & Vitality .............................................................................................16 Plan for Physical Development/Land Use Element..................................................................................19 Housing Element (2023)..........................................................................................................................21 Environmental Justice Element (2022)....................................................................................................21 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
INTRODUCTION
Government Code Section 65400 requires local jurisdictions to prepare an annual report on the status of the City of Lancaster’s 2030 General Plan and progress in its implementation. This report is provided to the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Annual Progress Report (APR) allows for the regular review of the General Plan, to assess its level of implementation and effectiveness as a guide for growth, development, and preservation within the community. This APR summarizes the General Plan implementation progress for the 2025 calendar year and highlights the City’s progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs.
The APR includes the following primary elements:
1. Summary of the General Plan background and status, including active General Plan Amendments and compliance with state law.
2. Summary of recently completed and active Zoning Ordinance amendments, in addition to active long-range projects.
3. Summary of active development projects in 2025.
4. General Plan Implementation Status.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
GENERAL PLAN BACKGROUND AND AMENDMENTS
General Plan Background
General Plan 2030 is the City’s long-term outlook for the future and reflects the community’s vision of the city. The General Plan identifies the types of development, and general patterns of future development, which will be permitted in the city. The plan contains goals, objectives, policies, and specific actions which provide the framework for achieving the community’s long-term vision. All projects and development proposals must be consistent with the General Plan.
In order to keep the plan relevant and implementable, the city regularly re-examines the goals, objectives, policies, and specific actions, in order to ensure that the General Plan remains consistent with the community’s priorities.
The City of Lancaster’s General Plan was adopted on July 14, 2009, and the horizon year for the adopted General Plan is currently 2030. Certain elements of the General Plan have been updated since its adoption, including:
The replacement of the ‘Plan for Physical Mobility’ element with a new Circulation Element in 2020.
The adoption of the current Housing Element.
The replacement of the ‘Plan for Public Health and Safety’ with a new Safety Element in 2022. The creation of the Environmental Justice Element in 2022. The pending replacement of the “Plan for Active Living” and “Plan for the Natural Environment” with the new Open Space Element and Conservation Element.
Pending General Plan Amendments in 2025
Open Space & Conservation Elements
To be in compliance with state legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 1425 and Assembly Bill (AB), the City initiated a General Plan Amended to update the Open Space and Conservation Elements of the General Plan. SB 1425 requires the Open Space Element to be updated to address equitable access to open space and climate resilience. AB 1889 requires the Conservation Element to be updated to address wildlife connectivity. Minor changes have been made to these two elements to follow state legislation. As part of this change, these elements will be formerly renamed from the “Plan for Active Living” and “Plan for the Natural Environment” to the Open Space Element and Conservation Element. These changes include enhanced policies and actions to support the provision of more parks and open space and opportunities to support wildlife connectivity throughout the City. The element updates will be brought to Planning Commission and City Council in early 2026.
West Affordable Apartments at the Southwest Corner of Avenue I/30th Street 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Site Plan Review No. 25-008, General Plan Amendment No. 25-002, and Zone Change No. 25-001 are to allow for the construction of a new 280-unit affordable apartment complex on approximately 19 acres of vacant land. The General Plan Amendment/Zone Change portion of the project proposes to redesignate the site from a General Plan designation and zoning designation of Urban Residential and Residential (R- 7,000), to Medium Residential 1 (MR1) and Medium Density Residential (MDR). In 2025, the proposal is under staff review.
Gas Station at Avenue J and Fig Avenue
Minor Use Permit No. 24-002, General Plan Amendment No. 25-003, and Zone Change No. 25-002 are to allow for the construction of a new gas station and 4,076 square-foot convenience store. The General Plan Amendment/Zone Change portion of the project proposed to redesignate the site from UR to Commercial (C) and to jointly rezone the site from Residential 7,000 (R-7,000) to C. The proposal is under staff review.
Subdivision at 30th Street East
Tentative Tract Map No. 25-004 (84801), General Plan Amendment No. 25-004, and Zone Change No. 25- 003 are to allow for the subdivision of 57 acres into 220 single-family lots. The General Plan Amendment/Zone Change portion of the project proposes to redesignate the site from Non-Urban Residential (NU) to Urban Residential (UR) in the General Plan and jointly rezone the site from Rural Residential (RR-2.5) to R-7,000. The proposal is currently under staff review.
Avenue M & Division Industrial Site
Site Plan Review No. 24-003, General Plan Amendment No. 24-001, and Zone Change No. 24-001 are to allow for the construction of two multi-tenant industrial buildings, totaling approximately 800,000 square- feet. The General Plan Amendment/Zone Change portion of the project proposes to redesignate the site from a General Plan designation and zoning designation of Office Professional (OP), to a General Plan designation of Light Industry (LI) and a zoning designation of Light Industrial (LI). This project was approved by Planning Commission and City Council in 2025.
Pacific Opal Single-Family Development
Tentative Tract Map No. 83299, Conditional Use Permit No. 20-06, General Plan Amendment No. 20-01, and Zone Change No. 20-01 are to allow for the construction of 413 single-family (55+) residential units with associated amenities. The General Plan Amendment/Zone Change portion of the project proposes to redesignate the site from Non-urban Residential (NU) to Urban Residential (UR) in the General Plan, and to jointly rezone the site from Semi-Rural Residential (SRR) to Residential 7,000 (R-7,000) to allow for the proposed density. The proposal is under staff review. 15th Street West & Avenue L Mixed-Use Development
Conditional Use Permit No. 21-01, General Plan Amendment No. 21-01, and Zone Change No. 21-01 are to allow for the construction of a 235-room hotel with amenities, apartment buildings with 181 units and associated improvements, 12,800 square feet of retail/commercial space, and a 3,800 square foot clubhouse. The General Plan Amendment/Zone Change portion of the project proposes to redesignate 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
the site from Non-urban Residential (NU) to Mixed-Use (MU) in the General Plan, and to jointly rezone the site from Rural Residential 2.5 (RR-2.5) to Mixed-Use Commercial (MU-C), to allow for the proposed uses. The proposal is under staff review in 2025.
Compliance with State Law and the General Plan Guidelines The City of Lancaster, along with all jurisdictions in California, is mandated to update its Housing Element for state certification every eight years. On June 14, 2022, City Council adopted the Housing Element, and it was certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development on February 10, 2023. On January 5, 2023, minor changes were made to respond to additional HCD comments. In accordance with state law, the update to the Housing Element triggers updates to other elements of the General Plan, which include the Safety Element and the new Environmental Justice Element. These General Plan Elements were also adopted on June 14, 2022, by the City Council.
As detailed above, in 2025, the City is also very near achieving compliance with SB 1425 and AB 1889 through pending updates to the Open Space Element and Conservation Element, ahead of the deadlines outlined by these bills.
RECENT OR ACTIVE ZONING AMENDMENTS AND LONG-RANGE PROJECTS Zoning Amendments
Administrative Updates
In 2024, staff began internal discussions and processes to complete certain administrative updates to the Lancaster Municipal Code. These updates will be made to the portions of the code which are most necessary to ensure clarity and consistency, both internally for staff and externally for the public. These Zone Text Amendments were adopted by Planning Commission and City Council in 2025.
Long-Range Projects
Westside Annexation
In 2025, the City pursued the annexation of approximately 11 square miles on the northern boundary of the City. The proposed annexation area is generally bound by 30th Street West, Avenue B, Edwards Air Force Base boundary/Sierra Highway, and the existing northern boundary of the City of Lancaster. In 2025 LAFCO and the City Council approved the annexation, and it will be final in early 2026.
Eastside Annexation
The City of Lancaster is pursuing the annexation of approximately one square mile on the northeastern boundary of the city. The proposed annexation area is generally bounded by Avenue I to the north, the existing city boundary primarily along Avenue J to the south, 50 th Street East to the west, and 60 th Street East to the east. In 2025 the City Council approved the annexation, and LAFCO approval is pending. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Parkway Village Specific Plan
The Parkway Village Specific Plan area encompasses approximately 433 acres and is generally bounded by Avenue K, Sierra Highway, 10th Street West, Avenue K-8, and the eastern side of existing apartment complexes at approximately 6th Street West. This plan seeks to provide a mixed-use, walkable community with a variety of commercial, residential, medical, and open space/public uses, with build-out of the plan area taking place over the next 20 years. Adoption of the plan is anticipated in early 2026.
Sierra Gateway Neighborhood Plan
In 2025, the City began the process of updating the existing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Zones plan, which governs development of approximately 333 acres in the City, roughly bounded by Avenue I, Division Street, Avenue J, Fern Avenue, and Milling Street. The update includes formalizing the zoning document to a specific plan. The goals of the plan are to support mixed-use infill development and housing projects near the City’s Metrolink Station, create a more user-friendly plan, and support future investments in this area. The plan focuses on transit access, walkability, and access to key community amenities, such as the Metrolink Station, Lancaster Community Center, and Jane Reynolds Park. Adoption of the plan is anticipated in summer of 2026.
STATUS OF RHNA OBJECTIVES
State law requires all regional councils of governments to determine the existing and projected housing need for its region. The City of Lancaster is located within the region covered by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). For each Housing Element cycle, SCAG is required to determine the share of the regional housing need to be allocated to each local jurisdiction within the SCAG region. This is called the Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) allocation.
The City is not required to directly build the dwelling units allocated through the RHNA process but rather is required to plan for the allocated growth. This is accomplished by zoning available land to accommodate RHNA numbers and by adopting housing programs which promote and facilitate housing construction. As such, the City’s Housing Element includes a variety of programs which support housing development inclusive of all income categories.
The City prepares an annual Housing Element APR which provides HCD with an update on building activity and Housing Element implementation. This year’s Housing Element APR includes housing data for the 2025 calendar year, as well as the status of adopted Housing Element programs.
Entitlement and Permit Activity in 2025
As shown in Table 2, Planning entitlements were granted for a total of 786 residential units in 2025. These units consisted of 188 single-family residences and 598 multi-family units throughout the area. To comply with streamlining requirements, in early 2023, the processing of ADU applications was transferred to the Building & Safety Division, so these units are not counted at Planning entitlement.
Building permits were issued for 459 residential units in 2025, and Certificates of Occupancy were granted for a total of 623 units.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Table 2: Entitlement and Permit Activity in 2025
Planning
Entitlements
Building
Permits
Certificates of
Occupancy
Single-Family Dwellings 188 252 351
Multi-Family & Other 598 4 2
Accessory Dwelling Units 0 205 270
Total 786 459 623
GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STATUS
The City is continuously implementing all aspects of the 2030 General Plan, but in 2025, there were a number of areas that the City excelled in. This included the promotion of alternative energy resources, safety and policing, the expansion of regional entertainment facilities including the Lancaster Municipal Stadium and the Parris Center, and commercial/industrial job creation. The following sections outline distinct accomplishments and growth achieved by the City, in compliance with General Plan objectives and policies. The General Plan does not need to be arranged in eight distinct elements if the content necessary for each of the required elements is included in the General Plan. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Plan for the Natural Environment/Conservation Element
Air Resources
Policy 3.3.2:
Implementation:
Facilitate the development and use of public transportation and travel modes such as bicycle riding and walking.
Implementation of the 2022 update to the City’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program began in 2024 with non-infrastructure programming being implemented in the 2024-2025 school year and continuing into the 2025- 2026 school year. This included bike rodeos, bike skills workshops, and bike repair clinics, servicing over 200 bikes in 2025 for K-12 students. These programs have helped equip students and parents with the skills and confidence to choose non-motorized travel to school and support City goals to reduce vehicle emissions.
Biological Resources
Objective 3.4:
Implementation:
Identify, preserve, and maintain important biological system within the Lancaster sphere of influence, and educate the general public about these resources, which include the Joshua Tree – California Juniper Woodlands, areas that support endangered or sensitive species, and other natural areas of regional significance.
Joshua trees continue to be a conservation priority for the City. All projects involving potential impacts to Joshua trees are conditioned to obtain an Incidental Take Permit from California Department of Fish and Wildlife in accordance with the California Endangered Species Act and/or the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.
In 2025, the City began mapping Joshua trees using drones and completed one-square mile of the City, with eight more square miles started and anticipated to be completed in 2026. This data will be utilized to help the City ensure development projects adequately account for impacts to Joshua trees that may be present.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Energy Resources
Policy 3.6.6:
Implementation:
Consider and promote the use of alternative energy such as wind energy and solar energy.
Lancaster Energy (the City’s clean energy provider) expanded their Power Choice program, the City’s initiative for solar installation and battery storage, typically for residential uses, to allow for commercial and industrial customers. The goal of this expansion is to continue to promote and aid in adopting clean energy and sustainability locally. In September 2025, Lancaster Energy acquired their first Power Choice customer, Bravery Brewing Company.
The City of Lancaster partnered with the First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2) and Western Systems to deploy hydrogen-powered backup traffic signals at signalized intersections in Lancaster. This ensures reliable operation of signals during power outages and supports the City’s decarbonization initiatives.
Scenic Resources
Objective 3.8:
Implementation:
Preserve and enhance important views within the City, and significant visual features which are visible from the City of Lancaster.
In 2025, the City launched the “Love Your City” initiative with the goal of teaming up with residents, local organizations and businesses, and faith- based groups to accomplish major community clean up projects. The first two community clean up events occurred in October and November of 2025. Combined, these events had over 1,000 volunteers, collected 90 tons of waste, and cleared trash at nearly 3,000,000 square feet of vacant properties. Clean up events are planned to continue through 2026. These efforts serve to preserve and beautify high-traffic areas and local natural landscapes.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Safety Element (2022)
Crime Prevention and Protection Services
Policy 4.6.1:
Implementation:
Ensure that adequate law enforcement is provided to the residents and businesses of the City of Lancaster.
In July 2025, the Lancaster Police Department (LPD) achieved certification through the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This certification signifies that LPD has met the rigorous training, hiring, and operational standards set forth by the state to ensure professional, ethical, and effective law enforcement. This certification demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety.
In late 2024 and early 2025, the LPD launched its motor unit, a specialized team of officers focused on patrolling streets and enforcing traffic laws.
The goal of this new unit is to reduce traffic accidents and promote safer driving habits throughout the City.
The LPD also joined multiple regional law enforcement partners to carry out a targeted traffic enforcement operation in November of 2025. This effort resulted in 210 traffic stops, 180 citations, and impounding two illegal vehicles. This effort supported the City’s goals to provide safer streets to residents.
Policy 4.6.3:
Implementation:
Promote programs and partnerships that encourage residents to take a proactive role in community safety and the welfare of their neighborhoods.
In 2025, the LPD have participated in multiple community engagement activities include Lancaster Prays and Afterschool Engagements, National Night Out, Brews with Blues, Community LPD Paint Day, and Homeless Outreach. These programs have connected LPD officers directly with community members to develop trusting relationships with residents and business owners to work collaboratively in creating a safer city. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Disaster Preparedness and Evacuations
Policy 4.8.1:
Implementation:
Maintain a level of preparedness to respond to emergency situations that will save lives, protect property, and facilitate recovery with minimal disruption.
In 2025, the City expanded the resident emergency response preparedness program, Ready Lancaster, via community outreach to businesses, and promoted emergency response preparedness through community family preparedness giveaways, blood drives, and public preparedness initiatives supporting AV Medical Center surge capacity and community resilience.
Policy 4.9.1:
Implementation:
Ensure city residents and businesses can effectively evacuate during or after an emergency/hazard event, if necessary.
In 2023, the City of Lancaster, the City of Palmdale, and the Antelope Valley Fair Authority worked in conjunction to begin plans for a Multi-Agency Regional Resilience Center (MARRC), which was formally named the “Parris Center” at its groundbreaking ceremony in July of 2024. The Parris Center is intended to include 240,000 square feet of new and renovated space at the existing AV Fair & Event Center and would serve as a large-scale emergency shelter available regionally to Lancaster and Palmdale residents. Construction work for this project has made significant progress in 2025 and is expected to open in 2026.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Plan for Active Living/Open Space
Park Land
Policy 10.1.1:
Implementation:
Provide opportunities for a wide variety of recreational activities and park experiences, including active recreation and passive open space enjoyment within a coordinated system of local, regional, and special use park land areas.
The City of Lancaster kicked off a comprehensive update of the PARCS Master Plan in July 2025. The City identified the changing demographics, recreation interests, funding opportunities, and community values since adoption of the previous plan in 2007. The update is intended to create a roadmap for the future of parks, programs, and community spaces. This includes expanding access to parks and recreation opportunities, identify priorities for improving existing parks and developing new ones, and evaluating staff and maintenance needs. The update is anticipated to be completed by January of 2027.
Cultural and Art Programs and Facilities
Policy 11.1.1:
Implementation:
Emphasize the downtown area as the cultural center of the City of Lancaster and the Antelope Valley by maintaining and expanding existing cultural facilities.
In 2025, the Lancaster Museum of Art & History (MOAH) installed seven artworks located at Lancaster’s City Hall in the downtown area, by artist Anthony James. This support the City’s and MOAH’s mission to bring accessible, world-class art into public spaces.
Policy 11.1.2:
Implementation:
Encourage a wide variety of performing and visual arts programs, productions and exhibits within the City of Lancaster.
In February 2025, the City of Lancaster adopted the Public Arts Master Plan.The goal of the plan is to create a strong sense of place through visual art installations throughout the City that honors Lancaster’s history, celebrates local culture today, and inspires for the future. The plan includes goals for art in the City as well as guidelines, administrative processes, and implementation plans.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
The Lancaster Performing Arts Center (LPAC) hosted over 60 acts between the 2024-2025 season and 2025-2026 season. This has included a diverse array of performers including comedians, magicians, musicians and bands, ballet, and jazz ensembles. LPAC also hosted several plays and stage performances.
The MOAH hosted several diverse exhibitions in 2025. These included:
m/other, multiple artists, with a focus on fiber and textile art with themes of queer, indigenous, and spiritual motherhood.
Elevations and Extensions, Luciana Abait, multimedia art exploring the intersection of climate change and immigration.
Blue Grass, Green Skies, multiple artists (exhibition from LACMA), works reflecting the natural world inspired by California Landscapes.
Strange Pathways, multiple artists, highlighting theme of landscapes.
The MOAH also hosted multiple cultural events including MOAH fest – a day of fiber arts, workshops, and performances inspired by the m/other exhibit. They also hosted the 40 th Annual All-Media Juried Art Exhibition which showcases regional creative talent. Other events included a “heist” themed dinner, youth art workshops, student art exhibitions, among others.
Social Services Programs
Objective 13.1:
Implementation:
Promote social service programs that will meet the needs of children, the elderly, teens, the handicapped, the homeless and other special needs populations.
In 2025, the City also saw a 33% decrease in the homeless population because of targeted programs and supportive services. The City’s LPD expanded their homeless outreach efforts with three dedicated teams focused on engaging unhoused individuals, offering support, and helping to connect them to services. This effort was also supported by the success of the Kensington Campus, a transitional housing project designed to stabilize individuals with services included mental health care, recovery support, and permanent housing.
In March of 2025 the City of Lancaster was awarded $83 million in state grant funding through the California Department of Health and Care Services’ Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP). The focus of the funding is to create new infrastructure for crisis care, residential treatment, and outpatient services. The City started implementation and planning of these investments upon receipt of the award and are expected to continue through 2026.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Circulation Element (2020)
Streets and Highways
Policy 14.1.6:
Implementation:
In 2025, construction was completed in coordination with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for major freeway ramp improvements. This included two new ramps at Avenue J, widening existing ramps, and traffic signal upgrades to improve circulation, safety, and overall mobility in the area. The interchange offers expanded capacity and smoother traffic flow, helping to reduce congestion and improve access for residents, businesses, and emergency services. The upgrades position the corridor to better serve the community’s current needs while accommodating future growth. The ramps will open to the public in early 2026.
The City was also awarded a $33.2 million dollar grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to advance the SR-14 (SR- 138) Highway Equity Corridor Improvements Program – Avenue M Interchange Project. This critical infrastructure investment will modernize one of the region’s most heavily used freeway access points. Located between 20th Street West and 10th Street West, the Avenue M Interchange serves as a major gateway linking Lancaster residents to employment centers, health services, military installations, airports, and regional destinations. The project will address longstanding safety and connectivity challenges created by outdated on- and off-ramp configurations.
Key improvements include:
Replacing stop-controlled ramp intersections with modern roundabouts to reduce high-conflict points and improve traffic flow
Striped buffered bike lanes and continuous pedestrian facilities through the interchange, reconnecting communities historically divided by SR-14/SR-138
A repurposed roadway design that maintains one travel lane in each direction, adds a center turn lane, and improves safety for all users
A seismic retrofit of the Avenue M overcrossing, strengthening the regional transportation network for future resilience
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Plan for Municipal Services and Facilities
Levels of Service
Policy 15.1.1:
Implementation:
Promote continued coordination between the City of Lancaster and local service providers.
Throughout 2025, city staff participated in Development Agency Working Group (DAWG) meetings in order to streamline development. These meetings involve the City of Lancaster, the City of Palmdale, SoCal Edison, SoCal Gas, LA County Waterworks, and several other outside agencies, and allow an opportunity to discuss and plan for upcoming large developments.
Plan for Economic Development & Vitality
Creation and Retention of Local Employment
Policy 16.1.1: Promote a jobs/housing balance that places an emphasis on the attraction of high-paying jobs which will enable the local workforce to achieve the standard of living necessary to both live and work within the community.
In 2025, the Lancaster City Council and the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), after a multi-year process, approved the annexation of 7,153 acres of unincorporated Los Angeles County, generally bound by avenues B and G, Sierra Highway/Edwards Air Force Base and 30th Street West. As part of this annexation was the adoption of the North Lancaster Industrial Specific Plan (NLISP) that plans for 1,860-acres of commercial and industrial development. The goal of the annexation and NLISP is to lay the groundwork to help facilitate the development of high-quality, job-producing light/heavy industrial, warehousing, and distribution facilities.
Policy 16.1.3:
Implementation:
Promote economic self-sufficiency through the application of programs and efforts that help to revitalize local commerce and create a sustainable and prosperous marketplace.
Lancaster launched the “Shop Local – Open Rewards” program with Bludot Technologies, Inc. in December 2022. The program lets shoppers earn cash- back rewards for buying from locally owned, brick-and-mortar businesses by 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
linking their card or scanning receipts. Rewards can then be redeemed at other small businesses in the community.
In 2025, the program experienced significant growth in our community.
Registered users jumped from 6,366 to 8,002. The economic impact increased from $2.8 million to over $5.2 million, and rewards distributed increased from $353,831 to $493,716.94. These numbers highlight how well the program is working to boost local shopping and support our economy The City also partners with the Lancaster Auto Mall on the “Shop.Drive.Earn.” program, a shop local initiative that provides rewards to participating customers while driving spending back into Lancaster. In total, 352 users chose to participate in the program, including 92 Lancaster residents and additional participants from outside the city. Total rewards distributed to community members were $26,330, generating a total economic impact of $8,382,827.56.
All funds earned through the program and distributed to customers must be spent within the City of Lancaster, encouraging consumers to shop locally and reinvest in Lancaster businesses.
The City’s Business of the Month program recognizes and promotes local businesses through coordinated marketing support. Since launching the program, the City has recognized nine winners. Each selected business receives a month long billboard promotion, high resolution photography, and featured posts on City social media. In addition, the City’s L28 film team interviews the business and shares their story through the City website and social channels, helping expand visibility and encourage residents to support Lancaster businesses.
In 2025, the City also shared a coordinated set of resources to help Lancaster businesses prepare for opportunities tied to the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games while also strengthening day to day business readiness.
Through our business outreach and online resources, we direct businesses to official LA28 supplier registration tools so vendors can submit their information for potential procurement opportunities, and we also connect businesses to key State of California resources that support business growth and compliance.
Policy 16.2.2:
Implementation:
Provide local businesses with access to financial, technical, labor, and regulatory assistance when feasible in order to promote business success.
To support local businesses impacted by vandalism, in 2025, the City launched the Vandalism Repair & Restore Grant Program, which helps eligible small, brick and mortar businesses offset vandalism related repair costs such as broken windows, damaged doors and locks, graffiti removal, and similar damages. Eligible businesses may apply for grants of up to $2,500 per vandalism event, with up to two events covered per calendar year, helping businesses recover quickly and continue serving the community. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Role of Downtown Lancaster in the Future of the City
Specific Action
16.4.1(d):
Consider the identification of new specific plan areas within the Transit Village District as appropriate to encourage transit-oriented development.
In 2025, the City kicked off the creation of a new specific plan, with grant funding from SCAG, that encompasses the area round the Metrolink Station located within the Transit Village District boundaries. This area was governed by the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Zones plan that functioned as a zoning document. The plan is being updated and formalized as a specific plan with a focus on transit-oriented design that would allow for more housing and mixed-use development around transit. The goal of this plan is to streamline development standards and make investment in this area an easier path forward. The plan is anticipated to be adopted in June of 2026.
Establishment of Lancaster as a Center for Regional Activities Policy 16.5.2:
Implementation:
Encourage the development of recreational uses which can stimulate economic growth and provide for local recreational needs.
In 2024, the existing Lancaster Municipal Stadium was converted from its minor league baseball configuration to a 5,300-seat, soccer-specific stadium.
This new stadium is intended to bring men’s professional and women’s pre- professional soccer to the AV, offering exciting new opportunities to both watch and play. The stadium opened in 2025, with its inaugural soccer match in April 2025.
In 2025, the City began the planning and design phase of a new aquatic center located on 10 th Street West between Avenues K8 and K15. The proposed aquatic center includes an Olympic sized competition swimming pool, dedicated Olympic dive pool, therapy and exercise pool, as well as new administrative building with classroom space, modern changing rooms, versatile multi-purpose rooms. The plans also include a pedestrian bridge to connect the center with the existing Sgt. Steve Owens Memorial Park and the YMCA, creating a regional-serving recreation nexus.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Plan for Physical Development/Land Use Element
Define Land Use Categories
Policy 17.1.4:
Implementation:
Provide for office and industrial-based employment-generating lands which are highly accessible and compatible with other uses in the community. 2025 saw the approval and post-approval processing of several large-scale industrial sites throughout the city. These properties are expected to bring a significant volume of new jobs to the city, in areas suitably distant from sensitive uses and easily accessible from SR-14.
In 2025, the City annexed 7,153 acres of unincorporated Los Angeles County, generally bound by avenues B and G, Sierra Highway/Edwards Air Force Base and 30th Street West. A significant part of this annexation included the adoption of zoning and a specific plan that would allow for a mix of commercial and industrial uses to support the ever-growing demand for warehouse and distribution space and support the creation of high-quality jobs.
Land Use Patterns
Policy 18.3.1:
Policy 18.3.1(d):
Implementation:
Require annexation proposals to demonstrate a positive relationship between facility and service costs and generated revenues and that there is a demonstrated need for such proposal.
Require all requests for annexation of vacant or uninhabited territory to be accompanied by a firm commitment for development of a project determined to have an economic benefit to the City.
The Westside Annexation was adopted in 2025 and jointly, the City processed a Development Agreement with a developer for multiple properties within the annexation area. Though no specific development is proposed at this time, the intent is to streamline future build out of job-producing commercial and industrial uses on these properties, resulting in a direct economic benefit to the City as a result of the completed annexation.
In general, the goal of the annexation was to meet the needs for industrial properties for larger developments due to the fragmented state of property within the existing City limits and multiple ownership structures. The City completed an analysis as part of the annexation and found a significant economic benefit to the City with the potential future buildout of these properties.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Community Design
Policy 19.3.5:
Implementation:
Enhance the image and character of the city by embracing public art to promote the history, heritage, and culture of Lancaster In 2025, the City adopted the Public Arts Master Plan which will guide the expansion of art across the City. The plan resulted in the immediate initiation of some art installations, including a new mural at Whit Carter Park that was completed as part of an Earth Day event. The plan includes future installations including more murals and sculptures, focusing on downtown and local parks, as well as an adopt-a-wall mural program and adopt-a-box utility box program.
Implementation details of the plan also include creating a developer fee, expanding the public art fund, pursuing grants at local/state/national levels, and exploring private partnerships.
Interagency Land Use Coordination
Policy 20.1.1:
Implementation:
Promote harmonious and mutually beneficial uses of land between the City of Lancaster, the City of Palmdale, the Counties of Los Angeles, Kern and San Bernardino, and the United States Air Force.
The annexation completed in 2025 required significant coordination between the County of Los Angeles and LAFCO to complete the several steps required to annex over 7,000 square feet of unincorporated LA County into the City. To ensure a smooth transition, the zoning adopted for the acquired land largely reflects the existing LA County zoning to ensure a harmonious transition between City and County land for both regulation and for property owners. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Housing Element (2023)
Housing Element Update
Implementation: The updated 2021-2029 Housing Element was adopted in 2022 and certified by the California Department of Housing & Community Development on February 10, 2023. This update allows for a reevaluation of housing needs, constraints and resources in the Lancaster area, and identifies adequate capacity to facilitate development of the 9,023 units allocated to Lancaster through the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) developed by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The Housing Element makes particular note of disadvantaged communities which may be most impacted by housing disparities, identifying goals and funding to alleviate strain on persons experiencing homelessness, special needs residents (including persons with disabilities, the elderly, large households, farmworkers, and female headed households), and racially/ethnically concentrated areas of poverty.
Environmental Justice Element (2022)
Healthy and Affordable Housing
Policy EJ-1.1
Implementation:
Promote and further fair housing policies and programs.
The City continued its First-Time Homebuyer Program in 2025, providing down payment assistance to help local families bridge the funding gap to buy their first home and put them on a path to building generational wealth. This year, families from various backgrounds (ranging from single parents with children to young couples and professionals) were able to close on homes under the program.
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
City of Lancaster
Policy EJ-2.1
Implementation:
Support and expand programs that increase awareness among residents about property maintenance, upkeep, weatherization, and neighborhood quality.
In 2025, the City continued its Housing Rehabilitation Program, offering grants for emergency repairs, housing rehabilitation loans, and turf replacement, with additional funding available for veterans, seniors, and disabled citizens. This variety of funding categories allows the city to cater to the different needs present within the community, ensuring that safe and well-maintained housing options are available throughout the Lancaster area.
Civic Engagement
Policy EJ-6.1:
Action EJ-6.1.B
Implementation
Facilitate the involvement of residents, businesses, and organizations in all aspects of the planning process using a variety of community-based strategies Utilize a variety of communication techniques and social media tools to convey information to the public and ensure information is available in multiple languages.
As part of the update to the existing TOD Zones plan, now the Sierra Gateway Neighborhood Plan (SGNP), outreach played a significant role in the ongoing development of the plan. The plan area is considered low resource, with high levels of poverty. It is also a central location in the City, hosting the Lancaster Community Center and the Lancaster Metrolink Station. To ensure a broad range of feedback, in 2025, staff hosted or attended multiple outreach events to gather feedback from residents, business owners, and organizations. This included a community workshop hosted in the Community Center and hosting a booth at the downtown farmer’s market as well as the yearly City-wide State of the City event. Online resources were also available via a website and survey.
All materials developed for outreach were completed in English and Spanish and Spanish speakers were available at every outreach event.