On June 22, 2000, Gov. Tom Ridge signed into law “Growing Smarter” initiatives in Acts 67 and 68 that mark the most dramatic change in state land-use law in more than 30 years.

These new laws encourage sound land-use planning at the local level and require state agencies to consider local land use ordinances and comprehensive plans in making certain permit and funding decisions.

Acts 67 and 68 amend the Municipalities Planning Code to:

• Clarify the authority of counties and municipalities to create “Locally Designated Growth Areas” as part of their comprehensive land-use plans;
• Encourage and enhance “Transferable Development Rights” as a tool to preserve open space and farmland, and to drive growth to areas where it is wanted. This voluntary program would empower property owners to realize the full value of their land by selling development rights to another owner;
• Directs state agencies to consider local land-use plans or ordinances when reviewing applications for funding or permitting of infrastructure or facilities to avoid conflicts with local land use decisions;
• Give local governments greater ability to withstand legal challenges while effectively planning for growth in their communities; and
• Facilitate consistent planning at the local, county and regional levels while retaining local control.
• Act 127 was signed by Governor Ridge on December 22, 2000. It clarifies some of the changes made by Acts 67 and 68.

For More Information....

Governor's Center for Local Government Services - Land Use Page

Contact the Center by e-mail: ra-dcedclgs@state.pa.us or toll-free -- (888)-223-6837