California note
Lancaster permit work now splits between Symbium and Accela
Lancaster uses Symbium for certain residential instant permits, while commercial applications and many later permit steps use the city's application and Accela paths.
Lancaster uses two online permit systems. Do not assume every job starts in Accela. New home reroof and HVAC permits moved to Symbium on September 1, 2025. Most roof-mounted home solar jobs have used Symbium for instant permits since November 1, 2024.
If Symbium will not give you an instant permit, email [email protected]. Many other permits still use Accela. Later steps may use it too. Accela handles payments, file uploads, status checks, and inspections.
New commercial buildings must start with the standard Building and Safety Permit Application. The same is true for commercial additions and tenant improvements. Once the city gets the form, the job appears in Accela. You can then check its status and upload files.
Do not start work until the fees are paid and the city has issued the permit. Use the current Permits page. An older city page may still show the old Accela route for reroof, HVAC, or solar work.
Where to see it
Lancaster Building and Safety and online permit pages.
Official sources
Official pages
Reviewed July 28, 2026
Current rules, forms, fees, deadlines, maps, and office instructions.
Rules, forms, fees, deadlines, and office procedures can change. Check the current page before you file, pay, or rely on a date.
Connected places
Open the local directory
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