Housing (Zoning)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2185: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for special provisions relating to ordinances.

HB 2185 requires Pennsylvania municipalities with populations over 5,000 (or high-density areas) to allow duplex, triplex, and quadplex housing as a permitted use by right where single-family homes are allowed, without requiring additional approvals. It prohibits municipalities from applying stricter zoning, subdivision, or design rules to these multi-unit housing types than to single-family homes. Developers must demonstrate that existing infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, and emergency services) can support new developments before permits are issued. The requirements apply differently based on municipality size: duplexes for 5,000+ residents, duplexes/triplexes for 10,000+, and all three housing types for 20,000+ residents.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires municipalities to permit duplexes/triplexes/quadplexes without additional approvals, removing zoning barriers to increase housing development options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 5, 2026

HB 2186: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for accessory dwelling units.

This bill allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as secondary apartments or backyard cottages, to be built on properties with single-family homes across Pennsylvania. It requires every municipality to adopt a simple ordinance permitting at least one ADU per lot and mandates that applications be approved within 30 days (or 60 days with additional review), with automatic approval if deadlines are missed. Municipalities may charge a maximum $250 fee for processing and cannot require permit renewals. The law respects existing deed restrictions and planned community rules while aiming to increase housing options through standardized ADU access.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables ADUs on single-family lots, increasing housing supply and affordability by mandating municipal approval within 30 days and capping fees.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 2155: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in prohibition options, providing for prohibitions on parking limitations; and making editorial changes.

HB 2155 would prohibit Pennsylvania municipalities from requiring a minimum number of parking spaces for new developments. This affects all local governments in the state (including cities, boroughs, townships, and counties) that currently enforce parking minimums in zoning codes. The bill amends state law to remove this requirement, except where mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The change would take effect one year after the bill is signed.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves parking minimums, reducing development costs and potentially increasing affordable housing supply by enabling more flexible housing projects.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRemoves parking minimums, reducing car dependency and supporting sustainable transportation infrastructure.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning Vehicle Registration

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 2109: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in preemptions, providing for occupancy limits.

HB 2109 prohibits Pennsylvania local governments (like cities, towns, and counties) from setting household size limits based on familial relationships (such as parents with children or roommates). It allows occupancy limits only for verified health/safety standards (like building codes) or to comply with federal/state affordable housing program rules. The bill directly affects renters, homeowners, and local officials who previously enforced such restrictions. Key definitions clarify that "familial relationship" includes blood, marriage, adoption, or foster care ties, and "local government unit" covers all Pennsylvania municipalities. This bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits local occupancy limits based on family, protecting tenant rights and enabling more housing options by removing barriers to family and roommate arrangements, aligning with tenant protection goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Tenant Rights Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 8, 2025

HB 1037: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in subdivision and land development, further providing for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance.

HB 1037 amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow municipalities to permit the replacement of demolished one- or two-family homes with structurally similar residential buildings using the original property's setback standards. This provision directly affects homeowners seeking to rebuild single-family or duplex properties and local governments issuing building permits. The key mechanism requires municipalities to provide these original setback standards to applicants when approving such replacements, streamlining the rebuilding process while maintaining consistent lot coverage. The bill does not change zoning requirements but offers flexibility for residential reconstruction within existing development patterns.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables rebuilding single-family homes under original setback standards, directly facilitating housing development without restricting density or requiring new approvals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 570: An Act providing for middle-income, low-income and very-low-income housing units in new residential development projects.

HB 570 requires developers of new residential projects with 30 or more units to include affordable housing units. Specifically, projects must reserve 5% of units for very-low-income households (earning 50% or less of the area median income), 10% for low-income households (up to 80% of median income), and 10% for middle-income households (80-120% of median income). Developers must meet phased completion targets as market-rate units are finished - such as 10% affordable units when 25% of market units are complete - and municipalities may withhold certificates of occupancy if requirements aren’t met. The bill directly affects developers of qualifying new residential projects in Pennsylvania, aiming to increase housing options for lower-income residents.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 5-20% affordable housing units in new developments for low/middle-income households, directly advancing affordable housing access per bill requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2025

HB 1459: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for multiple-unit dwelling zoning ordinances.

House Bill 1459 amends Pennsylvania law concerning municipal zoning ordinances for multiple-unit dwellings. It requires certain municipalities - those with over 5,000 residents in a growing county - to permit multiple-unit dwellings and mixed-use developments as a right in commercial zones with existing water and sewer services. The bill also limits off-street parking requirements for these developments to one space per unit. Municipalities may petition a planning agency to review a proposed development's impact on existing infrastructure and require developers to make necessary improvements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires municipalities to permit multiple-unit housing in commercial zones, increasing housing supply and development opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Mar 26, 2025

HB 369: An Act amending Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in land banks, further providing for definitions.

HB 369 amends Pennsylvania's land bank law by updating two key definitions in the property code. It changes "land bank jurisdiction" to allow two or more small municipalities (each with fewer than 10,000 residents) to form a land bank together through an agreement. The bill also expands "municipality" to include home rule, optional plan, and optional charter municipalities. These changes clarify which local governments can establish land banks under current law. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables collaborative land banks for property redevelopment, facilitating affordable housing development through clarified municipal authority.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Zoning

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 10, 2025

HB 529: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Smart Growth Zoning and Housing Program and the Smart Growth Zoning District Fund.

HB 529 establishes a program allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to create "Smart Growth Zoning Districts" in areas with good transit access or existing development (like downtowns or near transit stations). It creates a "Smart Growth Zoning District Fund" that pays municipalities a one-time "density bonus payment" for each new housing unit built in these districts, specifically targeting "attainable housing" for residents earning up to 120% of the area's median income. Municipalities must submit detailed housing plans showing how they will meet local housing needs through these districts. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and residents seeking affordable housing options in designated zones.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new state fund (Smart Growth Zoning District Fund) to provide density bonus payments for housing, directly increasing state budget allocation for housing programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates financial incentives for affordable housing development in transit-accessible areas, targeting residents at 120% AMI through density bonus payments.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPromotes transit-oriented development by incentivizing housing near transit hubs, aligning with sustainable transportation goals through density bonus payments.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning Vehicle Registration

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