The Pennsylvania Senate has approved a resolution introduced by Judy Schwank directing a comprehensive review of the state’s Municipalities Planning Code.
Senate Resolution 211, passed Tuesday by a 46-2 vote, tasks the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee with studying how the code is functioning and identifying potential updates. The Municipalities Planning Code, enacted in 1968, provides the framework for land use planning, zoning, subdivision, and development decisions across Pennsylvania.
Schwank said the study will examine how well the law is meeting the needs of modern communities.
“Pennsylvania’s communities have changed considerably in the nearly 60 years since we established the land use law that our communities are still relying on,” Schwank said. “This study will give us an honest, independent look at how the code is performing and where the commonwealth can do better in supporting municipalities as they plan for growth, housing, and economic development. We need to modernize our municipal planning code to meet today’s challenges.”
The Berks County Planning Commission worked with Schwank on the effort and supported the resolution.
“The approval of Senate Resolution 211 marks a pivotal opportunity to modernize the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code,” said Ashley Showers, executive director of the Berks County Planning Commission. “The Planning Commission looks forward to this comprehensive review and the insight it will bring, as its findings will directly influence our daily work—guiding how we support municipalities, review development proposals, and implement effective, forward-looking planning practices that better serve our communities.”
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, a bipartisan and bicameral agency, will conduct the study and provide recommendations based on its findings.
