The Lancaster County Assessor GIS Map provides access to the county’s official property mapping system, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, land records, and assessment-related information in an interactive online environment. Rather than relying on paper records or office visits, property owners, buyers, surveyors, and real estate professionals can access detailed parcel data directly from their browser. The GIS mapping system combines property records with geographic information, making it easier to locate parcels, review land characteristics, and analyze property information in a visual format.
Users can search by property address, parcel number, or owner name to locate a specific parcel. Once selected, the map displays property boundaries, parcel identification details, ownership information, assessed values, and other publicly available property data. The system is designed to help users research properties, verify parcel locations, and better understand land characteristics within Lancaster County. Because the information is integrated with county assessment records, it serves as a valuable resource for property research and planning. The GIS map also includes additional layers that provide context beyond parcel boundaries. Users can view zoning districts, land use classifications, aerial imagery, floodplain information, school district boundaries, and other geographic datasets when available. These tools help users evaluate how a property fits within its surrounding area and identify factors that may affect development or land use decisions.
GIS Maps and Parcel Data Tool Details
Lancaster County maintains a web-based GIS mapping platform that allows the public to search and explore property information online. The parcel viewer displays property boundaries, aerial photography, and various map layers that support property research. Users can zoom from countywide views down to individual parcels and access detailed property information through interactive map tools. The system is updated regularly to reflect changes in assessment records, ownership information, and mapping data.
How to Access GIS Maps Online
To access the GIS mapping system, visit the official Lancaster County Assessor and navigate to the property mapping or GIS resources section. The online map viewer opens directly in a web browser without requiring software installation. Users can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to locate properties and view available map layers. Property assessment information can also be accessed through the county’s official property search portal, which connects mapping data with assessment records and parcel information.
What You Need to Start a Search
To find a property, you need one piece of information: the street address, the parcel account number, or the owner’s last name. The search bar accepts partial addresses. For example, typing “123 Main” returns all properties on Main Street with that number. The parcel number is a 10-digit code found on tax bills and deeds. If you do not have the parcel number, the address search works just as well. The system shows results in a list below the map. Click any result to zoom directly to that parcel.
What GIS Maps and Parcel Data Include
The Lancaster County GIS map contains many parcel records. Each parcel record includes dozens of data fields. The map layers are organized into categories: property boundaries, zoning, land use, flood zones, school districts, municipal boundaries, and aerial photography. You can turn layers on and off using the legend panel on the left side of the screen. The data comes from the County Assessment Office, the Planning Commission, and state agencies. Every field is tied to a specific parcel polygon, so clicking any lot shows its complete record.
Parcel Boundaries and Legal Descriptions
Parcel boundaries are drawn from official survey records and deed descriptions. The GIS team uses the county’s property mapping database to create polygon layers that match the legal boundaries recorded in the Recorder of Deeds office. These boundaries show the exact shape and size of each lot. The map includes parcel lines, lot numbers, and subdivision names. You can measure distances and areas using the built-in measurement tool. This is useful for checking if a fence or driveway sits inside your property line.
Lot Dimensions, Zoning, and Land Use Layers
Each parcel record lists the lot size in acres and square feet. The zoning layer shows the zoning district for every property, such as Residential, Agricultural, Commercial, or Industrial. Land use data tells you how the property is currently used: single-family home, farm, vacant land, or commercial building. The county updates zoning maps when municipalities adopt new ordinances. You can overlay the zoning layer with the parcel boundaries to see if a property meets minimum lot size requirements for a new building.
Property Ownership and Historical Records
The GIS map displays the current owner name and mailing address. It also shows the deed book and page number where the property transfer is recorded. Sale history includes the last sale date and sale price. For older records, you may need to contact the Recorder of Deeds office directly. The system does not show historical ownership beyond the last sale, but the deed reference lets you look up the full chain of title. This information helps buyers verify that the seller is the legal owner.
Assessed Value, Market Value, and Tax Data
Every parcel record includes the county assessed value, the market value estimate, and the current year’s tax amount. The assessed value is determined by the Lancaster County Assessment Office. The market value is an estimate derived from the assessment ratio. Tax data shows the total tax due, broken down by county, municipal, and school district portions. You can see the tax year, payment status, and any delinquent amounts. This data is updated regularly from the county’s tax system.
How GIS Maps Help Property Owners, Buyers, and Professionals
Different people use the GIS map for different reasons. Property owners check their lot lines before building fences or adding structures. Buyers research a property’s value and tax history before making an offer. Real estate agents use the map to create comparative market analyses. Contractors verify setbacks and zoning restrictions. Appraisers pull comparable sales data. The map saves everyone a trip to the county office. All the information is available from a home computer or mobile phone.
Planning Construction or Property Changes
Before you build a shed, add a deck, or install a pool, check the GIS map for setbacks and easements. The zoning layer shows the minimum front, side, and rear setback requirements for your district. The flood zone layer tells you if your property lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area. If it does, you may need flood insurance and a elevation certificate. The map also shows utility easements and right-of-way lines. Building inside an easement can cause problems later. Use the measurement tool to confirm your proposed structure stays within allowed areas.
Analyzing Property Value Trends
The GIS map includes sale history for each parcel. You can see the last sale date and price. For a broader view, use the map to find recent sales in the same neighborhood. Click on nearby parcels and note their sale prices and lot sizes. This gives you a quick comparable market analysis without paying for a report. The assessed value column shows the county’s official valuation. If you think your assessment is too high, compare it to similar properties on the map. This data supports a tax appeal.
Verifying Boundaries, Easements, and Land Details
Disputes between neighbors often start with unclear property lines. The GIS map shows the official parcel boundary as recorded by the county. While the map is not a legal survey, it provides a strong reference. You can print the map or take a screenshot to discuss with a surveyor. The easement layer shows utility lines, drainage easements, and access rights. If a neighbor’s driveway crosses your property, the easement layer may show a recorded right-of-way. This information helps resolve conflicts without hiring a lawyer.
Downloading Property and Parcel Data in Lancaster County
For users who need data outside the web map, Lancaster County provides access to GIS resources and property-related datasets through its mapping services. Available data may include parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, land use information, and other geographic layers. Users can also print or export property records and map views as PDF files for reference. For larger data requests or specialized GIS information, the county GIS office can provide additional assistance and access options.
How to Extract Parcel Information Online
Open the Property Tax Inquiry site at lancasterpa.devnetwedge.com. Enter a parcel number or address. The results page shows all assessment and tax data. Look for the export button near the top of the results. Click it to download a PDF report of that property. For multiple properties, use the Advanced Search feature. You can filter by municipality, zoning district, or lot size range. The system returns a list of matching parcels. From that list, you can export a CSV file containing all selected records. This file opens in Excel or Google Sheets for further analysis.
Tips for Filtering and Using Data Efficiently
When searching for multiple properties, use the Advanced Search options. Set filters for property type, land use code, or assessed value range. For example, find all vacant residential lots in East Lampeter Township with an assessed value under $50,000. The system returns only matching parcels. Export the results as CSV. Open the file in a spreadsheet program. Sort by lot size or sale date to find the best deals. For GIS professionals, download the full parcel shapefile from PASDA. This file includes all attribute fields and can be joined with other datasets.
Available Formats: CSV, PDF, GIS Shapefiles
The county provides data in three main formats. CSV files contain tabular data with parcel numbers, owner names, assessed values, and sale history. PDF reports include a formatted page for each property with a map image. Shapefiles are the standard GIS format for spatial data. They include the polygon geometry and all attribute fields. The shapefiles are updated periodically. You can download them from the PASDA website by searching for “Lancaster County parcels.” For smaller areas, use the web map’s export tool to get a subset.
What You Can Find in Lancaster County Parcel Data
The parcel data contains many fields of information. Some fields are standard across all counties, while others are specific to Lancaster County. The data is organized into categories: ownership, location, physical characteristics, values, and taxes. Each field has a clear definition. The county provides a data dictionary on the GIS HUB site. This helps users understand what each column means. Below is a table showing the most commonly used fields.
Ownership and Deed Information
Each parcel record includes the owner name, owner mailing address, and deed reference. The deed reference includes the book number and page number where the deed is recorded. You can use this reference to request a copy of the deed from the Recorder of Deeds office. The record also shows the date of the last transfer and the sale price. If the property is owned by a trust or corporation, the owner name field shows the legal entity name.
Lot Size, Zoning, and Land Use Details
The lot size is recorded in acres and square feet. The zoning field shows the current zoning district code, such as R-1 (Residential) or A-1 (Agricultural). The land use code describes how the property is used, for example, 101 for single-family detached homes or 200 for vacant land. The county updates these codes annually. The map also shows the municipality name and school district for each parcel.
Assessed Value, Market Value, and Tax Information
The assessed value is the county’s official valuation for tax purposes. The market value is an estimate based on the assessment ratio. The tax information includes the total tax due for the current year, broken down by county, municipal, and school district portions. The record also shows any delinquent taxes and the tax year they apply to.
Easements, Rights-of-Way, and Special Districts
The GIS map includes layers for recorded easements, right-of-way lines, and special districts. Easements are shown as lines or polygons on the map. They include utility easements, drainage easements, and access easements. Right-of-way lines show where roads, driveways, or paths cross private property. Special districts include agricultural security areas, historic districts, and conservation easements. These layers help you understand restrictions on the property.
Contact and Official Resources
If you need help using the GIS map or have questions about parcel data, contact the Lancaster County GIS Division. The staff can assist with map navigation, data downloads, and technical issues. For assessment questions, contact the Property Assessment Office directly.
- Official website: https://www.lancaster.ne.gov/assessor
- Phone: +1 (402) 441-7463
- Email (general county support): assessor@lancaster.ne.gov
- Office hours: Monday through Friday, regular county business hours
For property tax inquiries, use the online tax inquiry site at lancasterpa.devnetwedge.com. For spatial data downloads, visit the Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA) website at pasda.psu.edu. The GIS HUB at gis-lancastercountypa.hub.arcgis.com provides additional applications and data documentation.
Location Map
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lancaster County Assessor GIS Map provides access to the county’s official cadastral mapping system. This interactive parcel viewer displays property boundaries, parcel layers, and land use information for all properties in the county. Instead of relying on manual lookup or office visits, users can view spatial property data online. The system combines assessment records with mapping tools, allowing searches by address, parcel number, or owner name. It is accessible through a web browser without any software installation and is free for public use. The FAQ below clarifies how to use the GIS map and access property information.
How do I use the Lancaster County Assessor GIS Map to find my property?
Open the official Lancaster County GIS mapping tool (LanCo View). Enter your address, parcel number, or owner name in the search bar. The system will zoom directly to the selected property and highlight its boundary. Clicking on the parcel will display details such as parcel ID, ownership information, assessed value, and land use classification. Additional map layers such as zoning, aerial imagery, and district boundaries can also be enabled for more detail.
What parcel layers and zoning land use data are available on the interactive parcel viewer?
The GIS parcel viewer includes multiple data layers such as property boundaries, parcel identification numbers, zoning districts, municipal limits, school districts, and flood zones. Users can also view aerial imagery and land use classifications. Each layer can be turned on or off to customize the view. This data is maintained through the Lancaster County Assessor and GIS mapping system to support property analysis and planning.
How can I view property boundaries and parcel numbers on the GIS mapping system?
After locating a property in the GIS viewer, the boundary is highlighted on the map. Clicking on the parcel opens a details window showing the parcel number, ownership information, and property attributes. Zooming out allows users to view surrounding parcel boundaries. The map can also be printed or exported as a PDF for reference. For official boundary verification, users should contact the Lancaster County GIS office.
Is the Lancaster County GIS map free to use, and do I need to download software?
The Lancaster County GIS map is free to use and does not require any software installation. It runs directly in a web browser on desktop and mobile devices. Users can access property boundaries, zoning information, and aerial maps without registration. Advanced data tools may be available through additional county GIS services, but the basic viewer remains publicly accessible at no cost.
How do I contact the Lancaster County GIS office for help with the map?
For assistance with GIS mapping tools, users can contact the Lancaster County GIS office during regular business hours. Support is available for map usage, parcel data, and technical issues. Property valuation and assessment questions should be directed to the Lancaster County Assessor office.
Can I download parcel data or maps from the Lancaster County GIS system?
Parcel data and GIS layers may be available through official county open data platforms or GIS services. Users can also export maps as PDF or image files directly from the viewer for personal use. For bulk data requests or custom mapping needs, contact the Lancaster County GIS office for availability and access options.