Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1263: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in preemptions, providing for prohibiting occupancy limits.

This bill prevents Pennsylvania local governments from setting rules that limit how many family members can live in a single home. It achieves this by amending state statutes to explicitly ban occupancy restrictions based on familial relationships, which include connections through blood, marriage, adoption, or foster care. While the law removes these specific family-based limits, it allows municipalities to still enforce occupancy rules if they are necessary for health, safety, fire codes, or wastewater standards. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits occupancy limits, protecting tenant rights and preventing arbitrary restrictions on housing use.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SB 1281: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in planned residential development, providing for expedited high density housing approval.

SB 1281 amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to create a new process for faster approval of high-density housing projects. The bill requires the State Planning Board to establish rules allowing municipalities to approve specific residential developments on zoned lots without needing to update their comprehensive plans or land use regulations. These expedited approvals are limited to smaller housing units, such as duplexes, townhouses, and multi-unit buildings with fewer than 50 units, provided they meet existing density limits and are served by public utilities. The legislation also enables the use of pre-approved building plans and typical drawings to streamline the construction permitting process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expedites high-density housing approvals to increase housing supply and address affordability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2434: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in zoning, providing for expedited high density housing approval.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to create a streamlined approval process for high-density housing in designated growth areas. It requires the state Department of Community and Economic Development to establish rules that allow municipalities to fast-track land use decisions for vacant lots in zones where such housing is already permitted by right. The expedited process applies specifically to attached or detached homes, including accessory dwelling units, provided they meet minimum density standards and do not involve environmentally sensitive or hazard-prone areas. To support this initiative, the bill mandates the use of pre-approved building plans, concurrent review procedures, and a technical assistance hub to help local governments reduce delays and meet permitting timelines.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines approval for high-density housing, increasing supply and addressing housing needs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 8, 2026

SB 1277: An Act amending the act of December 1, 1977 (P.L.237, No.76), known as the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act, further providing for title of act, for construction, for definitions and for deteriorated areas; providing for ordinance and resolution limitations; further providing for exemption schedule and for procedure for obtaining exemption; and providing for public registry.

SB 1277 amends Pennsylvania's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act to update how local governments can offer property tax exemptions for deteriorated buildings and new construction in economically depressed areas. The bill clarifies definitions to include various types of distressed properties, such as those ordered vacated or demolished, and expands the scope to cover mixed-use and converted residential structures. It also establishes a public registry for these exemptions and requires local authorities to hold at least one public hearing before designating specific areas as deteriorated. Ultimately, the legislation provides a standardized framework for municipalities to implement tax relief aimed at revitalizing struggling neighborhoods.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands property tax exemptions for distressed properties, providing tax relief and revitalizing local economies.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands tax exemptions for deteriorated and new housing in distressed areas, aiding affordable housing development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 2463: An Act amending Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in creation, alteration and termination of condominiums, providing for electric vehicle charging stations; in creation, alteration and termination of cooperatives, providing for electric vehicle charging stations; and, in creation, alteration and termination of planned communities, providing for electric vehicle charging stations.

This bill updates Pennsylvania laws to allow condominium owners, cooperative members, and planned community residents to install personal electric vehicle charging stations in their parking spaces or approved common areas. It mandates that property management associations cannot ban these installations and must review applications within 60 days, while still permitting reasonable rules regarding architectural standards and safety. The legislation clarifies that the unit owner bears all costs for installation, electricity, and potential damage, and requires the station to be installed by a certified electrician with specific training. Additionally, the bill establishes that the charging station remains the owner's personal property, which they must remove or transfer to a buyer when selling their unit, and requires liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill facilitates EV charging infrastructure, promoting electric vehicle adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates EV charging station access in housing, preventing bans and protecting owner rights to install infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 1256: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in zoning, providing for accessory dwelling units and for public availability of public utility fees.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to standardize rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on single-family lots. It requires municipalities to allow at least one ADU per lot and sets a maximum size of 1,250 square feet or the size of the main home, whichever is smaller. The legislation restricts local governments from imposing certain barriers, such as requiring owner occupancy, mandating specific exterior designs, or charging additional fees for parking and impact. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "gross floor area" and ensures that having an ADU does not reclassify a property as multifamily housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates ADUs to increase housing supply and restricts local barriers, directly advancing affordable housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 12, 2026

SB 1346: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in subdivision and land development, further providing for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance; and, in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions and providing for accessory dwelling units.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to clarify definitions and streamline zoning rules for local governments. It mandates that municipalities allow accessory dwelling units, such as secondary living spaces on existing lots, in all areas where single-family homes are permitted. The legislation requires these units to be approved automatically within 14 days without a public hearing, provided they meet specific size and location criteria. Additionally, the bill ensures that no-impact home-based businesses are allowed by right in residential zones, subject to existing private land restrictions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates accessory dwelling units in all single-family zones with automatic approval, increasing housing supply and affordability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SB 1279: An Act providing for issuance of housing construction permits by executive agencies, for designation of Commonwealth Housing Regulatory Compliance Officer and for timelines for permits related to housing construction; and imposing duties on the Office of Transformation and Opportunity.

SB 1279, known as the Reduce the Red Tape for Housing Act, aims to streamline housing construction permitting in Pennsylvania by requiring executive agencies to set specific processing timelines and adopt digital application systems. The bill introduces a new role called the Commonwealth Housing Regulatory Compliance Officer to coordinate between state agencies, local governments, and developers, while also allowing developers to hire independent third-party reviewers to expedite approvals. Additionally, the Office of Transformation and Opportunity must evaluate ways to improve the building materials supply chain and report on progress in reducing regulatory hurdles for housing projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines permitting and reduces red tape to accelerate housing construction, facilitating increased housing development.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates adoption of digital application systems for housing permits, directly advancing technology use in government processes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2428: An Act amending the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in training and certification of inspectors, further providing for education and training programs and providing for the Residential Construction Workforce Training Grant Program; and establishing the Residential Construction Workforce Training Account.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act to create a funding mechanism for residential construction workforce training. It allows municipalities to charge an optional fee of up to $10 on residential permits, which would be collected and deposited into a new state account. Money from this account would be used to award grants to nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments for training programs, apprenticeships, and equipment. A key provision requires that these grants be directed to counties where the original permit fees were collected to support local housing needs. The bill also mandates detailed annual reports on how the funds are spent and the outcomes of the training programs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds workforce training and grants for residential construction, strengthening the supply of housing and supporting industry capacity.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill funds workforce training, apprenticeships, and equipment for residential construction, enhancing worker skills and employment opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Professional Licensing Workforce Development

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 2445: An Act amending the act of June 27, 1996 (P.L.403, No.58), known as the Community and Economic Development Enhancement Act, providing for Office of Housing Opportunity.

This bill creates a new Office of Housing Opportunity within Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development to oversee housing production goals. The office will be led by a Deputy Secretary appointed by the Governor and will work with other state agencies to develop and meet ten-year housing targets. A new advisory committee will be formed to guide the office, including representatives from the General Assembly, local governments, and housing experts. The office will also manage a grant program for residential economic development districts and publish annual reports on housing progress.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a new Office of Housing Opportunity to oversee housing production goals and set ten-year housing targets, directly advancing housing development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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