Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB570

Introduced

2/12/25

Refer

2/12/25

Caption

Providing for middle-income, low-income and very-low-income housing units in new residential development projects.

Impact

The implementation of HB570 is expected to have a significant impact on state and local housing laws, particularly concerning how residential developments are planned and executed. By mandating the reservation of affordable units, municipalities will be better equipped to meet the housing needs of various socio-economic groups, aiming to mitigate the risk of gentrification and ensure that growth accommodates all income levels. Furthermore, municipalities may enforce these requirements by withholding occupancy permits if developers fail to comply, thereby ensuring accountability.

Summary

House Bill 570, known as the Affordable Housing for Working Families Act, aims to address the persistent issue of affordable housing shortages within Pennsylvania. The bill requires developers of new residential projects that comprise 30 or more units to allocate a certain percentage of those units to different income categories including very-low, low, and middle-income households. Specifically, developers must reserve 5% of units for very-low-income, 10% for low-income, and another 10% for middle-income housing, thereby promoting a diversified and inclusive community.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill is primarily supportive among housing advocates and community organizations that see it as a vital step towards addressing the housing crisis. However, there may be some opposition from developers who argue that these requirements could increase construction costs and complicate project financing. Proponents assert that the benefits of ensuring affordable housing outweigh the potential drawbacks, while detractors may raise concerns about the implications for market-rate housing and the local economy.

Contention

While HB570 promotes affordable housing, it does not come without its points of contention. One notable aspect of the bill is the provision allowing municipalities to collect impact fees in lieu of constructing the mandated affordable units, which some argue could undermine the bill's intent. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the specifics of implementing and enforcing these requirements, including the potential burden on local governments to manage affordability regulations alongside other development priorities.

Latest PA HB570 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB570

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1257

Providing for middle-income, low-income and very-low-income housing units in new residential development projects.

PA HB1386

In real property, providing for Pennsylvania attainable housing community designation.

PA SB1095

In preliminary provisions, providing for residential rental property rate increases; and establishing the Rent Control Advisory Board.

PA SB468

In personal income tax, further providing for classes of income.

PA HB1064

Further providing for definitions, for creation of tax increment districts and approval of project plans and for financing of project costs.

PA HB1774

In disposition of Commonwealth surplus land, further providing for annual property survey.

PA HB219

In personal income tax, further providing for definitions and for classes of income.

PA HB2452

In personal income tax, further providing for classes of income; in corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions; and providing for personal health investment tax credit.

PA HB2515

Providing for Smart Growth Zoning and Housing Program; and establishing the Smart Growth Zoning District Fund.

PA HB1219

In personal income tax, further providing for classes of income and for special tax provisions for poverty and providing for alternative special tax provisions for poverty; in corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions, for imposition of tax, for reports and payment of tax, for consolidated reports and for manufacturing innovation and reinvestment deduction; in realty transfer tax, further providing for transfer of tax; in tax credit and tax benefit administration, further providing for definitions; in entertainment production tax credit, further providing for definitions, for credit for qualified film production expenses, for carryover, carryback and assignment of credit and for limitations; in Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits, providing for biotechnology; in neighborhood assistance tax credit, further providing for tax credit and for grant of tax credit; providing for expanded neighborhood improvement zones; in Pennsylvania Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program, further providing for credit for child and dependent care employment-related expenses; providing for Public Transportation Trust Fund; and, in general provisions, further providing for underpayment of estimated tax, for method of filing and for allocation of tax credits.