Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1960

Introduced
1/31/24  

Caption

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in subdivision and land development, providing for local option for high impact warehouses and distribution centers.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1960 is expected to increase the role of local electorates in planning and development decisions. With the new requirement for voter approval, proponents argue that it restores community control over land use and development, allowing residents to weigh in on issues that could impact their quality of life and local environment. However, it may also slow down the approval process for development projects, potentially leading to reduced investment if developers face uncertainties related to obtaining necessary voter approvals.

Summary

House Bill 1960 introduces provisions that require municipalities to seek voter approval before finalizing applications for high impact warehouses and distribution centers. This bill amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to define what constitutes a high impact warehouse, specifically those facilities that exceed three acres in size and are at least 100,000 square feet. By requiring a local referendum, the bill empowers citizens in municipalities to have a direct say on significant developments affecting their communities, thus altering the dynamics of local governance in relation to large-scale industrial facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be mixed. Supporters, particularly local advocacy groups and residents in affected areas, view the bill positively as a means to ensure that significant developments do not proceed without community consensus. However, some business and developer groups express concern that the bill may hinder economic growth by complicating the development process. The debate reflects an ongoing tension between the desire for economic development and the need for community input on land use decisions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between economic development and local sovereignty. While supporters argue that the bill provides necessary checks and balances to prevent unwanted industrialization, critics warn that it could discourage new high impact projects from considering Pennsylvania, given the additional hurdles they must overcome. The bill's requirements may lead to extended timelines for project approval and potentially dissuade investment in regions that could benefit from such developments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB750

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in subdivision and land development, providing for local option for high impact warehouses and distribution centers.

PA SB1126

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in subdivision and land development, further providing for grant of power and for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance; and, in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions, providing for accessory dwelling units and further providing for zoning purposes.

PA HB782

In subdivision and land development, providing for potentially impacted municipalities and further providing for approval of plats and for completion of improvements or guarantee thereof prerequisite to final plat approval; providing for developments of regional significance and impact; and, in zoning hearing board and other administrative proceedings, further providing for jurisdiction.

PA SB195

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions.

PA SB450

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, providing for payment and further providing for prize limits, for sales limited, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for regulations of department; in club licensees, further providing for club licensee and for distribution of proceeds; in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and for local option and repealing provisions relating to advertising; in tavern gaming, further providing for licenses, for application, for approval, for prize limits, for distribution of net revenue, for tavern games tax, for invoice, for reports and for enforcement.

PA SB1263

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits, for sales limited, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for regulations of department; in club licensees, further providing for club licensee and for distribution of proceeds; in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses, for local option and for advertising; in tavern gaming, further providing for licenses, for application, for approval, for prize limits, for distribution of net revenue, for tavern games tax, for invoice, for reports and for enforcement.

PA HB2348

In subdivision and land development, further providing for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance.

PA HB1037

In subdivision and land development, further providing for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance.

PA HB829

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;

PA HB977

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in zoning hearing board and other administrative proceedings, further providing for hearings.

Similar Bills

CA AB701

Warehouse distribution centers.

CA AB2853

Local government: economic development subsidies.

CA AB485

Local government: economic development subsidies.

CA AB3056

Warehouse distribution centers.

NJ A4777

Prohibits municipal agency from approving applications for development of certain warehouses unless certificate of need is issued by Office of Local Planning Services in DCA.

WV HB4470

Relating to consumers sales and service tax and use tax exemption for certain goods to be incorporated into a qualified, new or expanded warehouse or distribution facility

WV SB507

Authorizing consumers sales and service and use tax exemptions for certain qualified purchases

WV HB2161

Relating to consumers sales and service tax and use tax exemption for certain goods to be incorporated into a qualified, new or expanded warehouse or distribution facility