Zoning and local land use
Zoning, local ordinances and moratoriums, redevelopment plans, site plan and subdivision approvals. What changed, the rules that apply and the dates ahead for projects in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Latest briefings
- MediumPennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires proof of a water supplier before towns give final approval to development plans
From December 7, subdivision and land development plans served by public or community water need documented supply arrangements before final approval, though proof of adequate capacity is not required.
- MediumChester County, PA
Pennsylvania: East Whiteland ends data center pause, limits new centers to industrial district by conditional use
A Chester County township closed a six-month zoning pause by adopting data center rules on September 24, 2026; the posted final draft sets 1,250-foot buffers, night noise caps and closed-loop cooling.
- MediumAllegheny County, PA
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh bill would allow two accessory units per lot and drop parking minimums
Pittsburgh City Council held a hearing September 23 on a pending zoning bill that would also offer extra height for affordable units; no vote has been taken.
LocalZoning & land use - MediumChester County, PA
Pennsylvania court tells zoning board to test whether a smaller plan avoids a steep-slope variance
The Commonwealth Court set aside a ruling against Toll's 64-home Chester County plan but ordered the zoning board to decide whether its hardship came from the land or from the plan's density.
In courtZoning & land use - MediumPhiladelphia County, PA
Pennsylvania court reopens whether Philadelphia's Council can appeal zoning approvals for affordable housing
The Commonwealth Court will rehear, the week of October 13, its ruling that a councilmember lacked standing to challenge variances for a Strawberry Mansion senior housing building.
In courtHousingZoning & land use - HighPennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires local approvals before state permit review of large data centers
For new applications by data centers above 25 megawatts, a binding consent order allows rolling state review; data centers are removed from fast-track and the sales tax exemption is tied to the conditions.
- MediumPennsylvania
Pennsylvania plans methane rules for new and existing oil and gas wells; no draft rule yet
On July 24, 2026 the Department of Environmental Protection announced methane rules for oil and gas operations covering leak detection and routine venting and flaring; no draft exists. Draft rules are reported to go to the Environmental Quality Board in 2027. The federal state-plan submission deadline is January 22, 2027.
ProposedZoning & land use - MediumPennsylvania
Pennsylvania act reported to require decommissioning security for leased-land solar and displace local rules
Act 44 of 2026, signed July 20, 2026, is reported to require financial assurance and removal within 18 months for commercial solar over 2 megawatts on leased land, and to displace municipal decommissioning provisions, with most provisions taking effect in January 2027. The statute text could not be read.
Rules 5
- Federal · 49 U.S.C. 44718; 14 CFR Part 77FAA notice for tall structures and cranes
- Pennsylvania · 72 P.S. 5490.1 et seq.; 3 P.S. 901-915 (ASA)Clean and Green rollback taxes; Agricultural Security Areas
- Pennsylvania · 53 P.S. §§ 11002-A, 11003-A; 42 Pa.C.S. § 5571.1Land use appeals to common pleas court
- Pennsylvania · 53 P.S. §§ 10107, 10508, 10509, 10513 (MPC)Subdivision and land development approval (MPC)
- Pennsylvania · 53 P.S. §§ 10609.1, 10908-10916.1 (MPC)Zoning variances, special exceptions and curative amendments (MPC)