Pennsylvania SR 211: A Resolution designating September 24, 2019, as the day to commemorate "United States National Health IT Week - September 23, 2019, to September 27, 2019," in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 1401 PRINTER'S NO. 1507
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 211
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY SCHWANK, COSTA, KIM, BAKER, SANTARSIERO, VOGEL,
FONTANA, CULVER AND COMITTA, JANUARY 23, 2026
SENATOR KEEFER, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AS AMENDED, MARCH 17, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct a study and issue a report on the effectiveness and
performance of the Municipalities Planning Code and its
preparation for review and enforcement under the Department
of Community and Economic Development.
WHEREAS, The Governor's Center for Local Government Services
within the Department of Community and Economic Development is
obligated to provide specialized, individualized services and
tools to support decisions in accordance with best practices in
this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The primary task of the Governor's Center for Local
Government Services is to oversee the implementation and
enforcement of PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND EDUCATION ON the act of
July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code (Municipalities Planning Code); and
WHEREAS, The Department of Community and Economic Development
is tasked to ensure that OVERSEES THE GOVERNOR'S CENTER FOR
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND IS TASKED TO ENSURE THAT
PUBLICATIONS AND INFORMATION ON the Municipalities Planning Code
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remains current and relevant to properly meet the needs of this
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, There are concerns that the Municipalities Planning
Code and its processes are outdated and ineffective; and
WHEREAS, Legislation providing for various amendments to
sections of the Municipalities Planning Code has received
bipartisan and bicameral support; and
WHEREAS, A formal study on this matter would be beneficial
for lawmakers as they consider this topic; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the
effectiveness and performance of the Municipalities Planning
Code and its preparation for review and enforcement under the
Department of Community and Economic Development; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the study include:
(1) an examination of the impact of the Municipalities
Planning Code on housing affordability, local economic
development and revenue and the cost of zoning delays and
appeal proceedings;
(2) an examination of the administrative and compliance
costs imposed upon municipalities and the Commonwealth,
including:
(i) staffing;
(ii) procedural costs and fees; and
(iii) additional professional services;
(3) a review of the planning and zoning statutes and
practices of similarly situated peer states to identify best
practices and modernization trends; and
(4) a list of topics and issues that should be
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considered prior to the General Assembly proceeding with
legislation that would comprehensively update the
Municipalities Planning Code;
(5) AN EXAMINATION OF THE PREVALENCE, IMPACTS, STRENGTHS
AND LIMITATIONS OF TRADITIONAL ZONING PRACTICES ENABLED UNDER
THE MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE, INCLUDING:
(I) USE-BASED SEGREGATION OF LAND SUCH AS SINGLE-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS VERSUS MULTIFAMILY,
COMMERCIAL OR MIXED-USE DISTRICTS;
(II) HIERARCHICAL RESTRICTIONS, MINIMUM LOT SIZES,
SETBACKS, HEIGHT LIMITS AND DENSITY CONTROLS; AND
(III) EFFECTS ON HOUSING SUPPLY, AFFORDABILITY,
URBAN SPRAWL, INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS, NEIGHBORHOOD
CHARACTER, PROPERTY VALUES AND WALKABILITY/VIBRANCY; AND
(6) A REVIEW OF INCREMENTAL REFORMS TO ZONING THAT COULD
IMPROVE OUTCOMES WHILE PRESERVING COMMUNITY CONTROL AND
COMPATIBILITY SUCH AS:
(I) RELAXING SINGLE-FAMILY-ONLY ZONING TO PERMIT
DUPLEXES, TRIPLEXES, TOWNHOMES, COTTAGE CLUSTERS OR OTHER
MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING TYPES IN APPROPRIATE AREAS;
(II) REDUCING OR ELIMINATING MINIMUM LOT SIZE
REQUIREMENTS TO SUPPORT MORE EFFICIENT LAND USE;
(III) AUTHORIZING OR INCENTIVIZING ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS ON SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS WITH STREAMLINED
PERMITTING;
(IV) PROMOTING MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN DESIGNATED
CORRIDORS OR NODES TO FOSTER WALKABLE, VIBRANT
COMMUNITIES WITH HOUSING NEAR JOBS AND AMENITIES; AND
(V) STREAMLINING ZONING APPROVAL PROCESSES TO
MINIMIZE BUREAUCRATIC DELAYS, APPEALS AND COSTS WHILE
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MAINTAINING LOCAL INPUT AND STANDARDS;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the
General Assembly within 180 days of the adoption of this
resolution.
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