Council approves second reading to rezone Builder Supply parcels for industrial use

The Lancaster City Council completed the second reading of Ordinance 24-3, which would amend the official zoning map to rezone two parcels totaling roughly 1.11 acres at 405 South Frank Street (owned by Builder Supply Company) to an industrial district to allow a proposed approximately 20,000-square-foot warehouse for fabrication, storage and distribution.

Staff and the applicant described the proposal as enabling indoor fabrication of doors and storage of completed production units; staff said Builder Supply currently employs around 100 people and expects 15–20 additional jobs from the proposed facility. Council members questioned whether the city's single industrial classification adequately distinguishes lighter warehousing and fabrication from heavier open-air industrial activities.

City staff responded that the industrial district’s regulations require activities to occur within a fully enclosed structure and include definitions intended to limit heavier open-air operations; the council discussed how those rules would apply to the proposed use. After limited discussion the council approved the ordinance on a recorded roll-call vote with all members voting yes.

The ordinance moves the rezoning forward following the staff and planning commission recommendations noted in the record; staff and the applicant were directed to follow any permit and code requirements for the industrial district before construction proceeds.