FAQs
General Information
How do I submit a Freedom of Information Act request?
Please send all requests to the City of Lancaster Municipal Clerk, PO Box 1149, Lancaster, SC 29721-1149 via postal mail or fax (803) 286-9690. Allow fifteen (15) business days for a reply.
Where do I call if I am not sure which city department or division would handle my concern of complaint?
If you are not sure where to direct your concern or complaint, please call the City Hall receptionist at (803) 286-8414.
How do I get a police or fire report?
For police reports, contact the Lancaster Police Department Records Section at (803) 283-1175 or via postal mail at PO Box 1008, Lancaster, SC 29721-1008.
For fire reports, contact Lancaster Fire Station #1 at (803) 283-4385 or via postal mail at 401 East Arch Street, Lancaster, SC 29720.
Public Works Information
Where do I call if I have a question about garbage or trash collection?
Call the Public Works Department at (803) 285-9431.
Where can I report a pothole?
Call the Public Works Department at (803) 285-9431.
How do I report a streetlight that is out?
Call the Public Works Department at (803) 285-9431. They will forward the information to Duke Power.
What do I do if my sewer line stops draining?
If you think the problem may be in the main sewer line, call the Public Works Department at (803) 285-9431. They will check the main sewer line and sewer tap to see if the problem is there. This may save you a bill for a plumber’s visit to tell you that your sewer lateral is clear.
Utility Information
How do I read my water meter?
Just about everything you buy is measured in some unit – eggs by the dozen, bananas by the pound, gasoline by the gallon. The water you buy from the City of Lancaster is measured in gallons.
The water meter in your home or business measures the number of gallons of water you use each month. This includes all water that flows through the meter including water for drinking, cleaning, and sanitary use. Unless you have installed a second irrigation meter, it also includes water used for washing cars and watering lawns.
The water you buy from the City of Lancaster is measured in gallons and charged at a per-hundred gallon rate. Sewer charges are based on the metered water usage. Each month, a City of Lancaster representative reads the meter at your home to determine how many gallons of water you have used since our last reading. Your monthly bill is based on this meter reading.
Reading a meter is easy. Once you learn the basics, you can easily check your own meter to see how many gallons of water you are using. Many of the newer meters are so sensitive that you can actually use the meter to determine if there is a leaky pipe in the building. These meters have a “leak detector” feature that is discussed below.
On most meters, there are six or seven numbers. The first 3 or 4 numbers are black with a white background and the next 3 numbers are white on a black background. The last number is a non-movable 0; individual gallons are measured by the sweep hand.
The small triangle in the upper left corner is a leak detector. If the triangle is rotating, water is moving through the meter. This detector will detect flows small enough that the sweep hand may appear to be standing still.
Your City Meter Reader does not reset the meter each month, so you can see how much water you have used by simply subtracting the previous reading from the current reading.
Meter Operation and Standards (Information from the manufacturer)
Operation:
Water flows through the meter’s strainer and into the measuring chamber where it operates the piston. The piston, which moves freely, oscillates around a central hub, guided by the rubber-coated division plate. A drive magnet, incorporated in the piston, rotates around the outside of the hermetically sealed register well and magnetically drives the “follower” magnet sealed within the well. The “follower” magnet drives a crank connected to the register gear train, which translates the number of piston oscillations into volume totalization units displayed on the register face.
Conformance to Standards:
Water Meters comply with ANSI/AWWA Standard C700, latest revision. If you have concerns regarding your water meter, please contact us by calling the Utility Billing section at (803) 283-9991.
Why does my Utility Bill vary from month to month?
Your utility bills probably follow a similar seasonal pattern from year to year. Most customers use more water in the months between May and October. If you receive a utility bill from the City of Lancaster that is higher or lower than you expected, use these instructions to read the meter at your home to make sure your water usage was accurately recorded on your bill. Please allow for some variation as most meters are read approximately two weeks prior to the bill being mailed. If you find that the meter was read incorrectly, please contact us by calling the Utility Services section at (803) 283-9991.
What should I do if I suspect a leak?
The small triangle in the upper left corner of the water meter is a leak detector. If the triangle is rotating, water is moving through the meter. This detector will detect flows small enough that the sweep hand may appear to be standing still.
The leak indicator can detect even the smallest amount of water being used. To check for leaks, turn everything off in the house that uses water, even an icemaker. If the leak indicator is moving, you may want to inspect your plumbing including bathroom fixtures, outside faucets, etc. for possible leaks.
Checking for Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks are one of the most common sources of leaks. Running toilets are more than a nuisance; they cost money and waste water. Pinpointing a toilet leak is easy and usually inexpensive. Follow these procedures to locate a toilet leak:
Put a leak detector tablet in the toilet tank.
Wait 15 minutes.
If the colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak. The flush valve probably needs to be replaced.
If the flush valve isn't worn, check to see whether it fits into the valve snugly. If this valve is corroded, clean it. Then, if the ball still won't seat properly, straighten the guide wire and make sure it's not catching on anything. Note: Newer toilets have a chain and flapper ball instead of the guidewire and flush valve ball. Sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder on top of the water in the tank. If this powder moves towards the overflow tube, you probably have an overflow leak. Gently bend the float arm down to the shut off valve before the water spills into the tube. Or, you may consider replacing the float valve.
If your toilet whistles, whines or won't shut off after adjusting the float ball, you may want or need to check the ballock assembly. Hardware and plumbing stores sell complete kits with instructions.
Licensing and Zoning Information
Where can I apply for a City of Lancaster business license?
Business License applications can be obtained from the Building, Licensing, and Zoning Department, located inside City Hall at 216 South Catawba Street or by calling (803) 283-4253.
Who needs a permit for work in the City of Lancaster?
Generally, any person doing work that must be inspected will need to obtain the appropriate permit, e.g. building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas. New construction, renovations, new installations of electrical, mechanical and gas equipment will need to be inspected in various stages of installation. Depending on complexity, plans may need to be submitted and reviewed prior to permit issuance. Call (803) 283-4253 for further information.
Do I need prior approval to have a yard sale at my residence?
Yes. The City of Lancaster is concerned that numerous yard sales at the same location may not be in the best interest of area residents and limits such to no more than four per calendar year. Traffic congestion is also a concern. Our police department is contacted as a part of every permit request to determine if traffic flow might become too congested as a part of any yard sale. No fees are charged for a yard sale permit.
Do I need a city license to start a business in the City of Lancaster?
Yes. An application is needed for every business. Information needed includes names, addresses, and telephone number of those to be contacted in the event of an emergency, e.g. fire, vandalism, etc. Applications also provide information concerning the type business proposed along with estimated income needed for calculating license fees. We also provide assistance with contact information for state retail licenses and tax collections. A zoning occupancy permit is a part of the application process, which verifies compliance with sign requirements, zoning and fire safety regulations.
May I register an anonymous complaint about a derelict vehicle, overgrown lot, or substandard housing in my neighborhood?
Yes. Call (803) 283-4253 for service regarding these matters.
How can I obtain water and sewer service to my new home or place of business where city lines serve the area?
You can obtain and submit an application in the Building, Licensing, and Zoning Department at City Hall for processing (telephone (803) 283-4253). Service outside the corporate limits requires submittal of a restrictive covenant annexation agreement. Tap fees along with deposits are collected in the Utility Services Department at City Hall.
Where can I get information regarding building, licensing, zoning, permits, water/sewer service and hospitality tax collections?
Contact us at (803) 283-4253. Our key objective is to provide information and service in these areas.
Recreational and Tourism Information
Where can I find information about recreational activities for children and youth in the area?
Call the Lancaster County Recreation Commission at (803) 285-5545. You may also visit them online.
Who can I contact if I want tourism and local event information?
We suggest the following organizations: