PROJECT
PROFILES:
GOV. RIDGE SIGNS "GROWING SMARTER"
LAND-USE BILLS
Standing on 110 newly preserved
acres of open space in Chester County in early summer, Gov.
Tom Ridge signed two "Growing Smarter" land-use bills he
called for to make the most dramatic changes in state land-use
laws in more than 30 years - encouraging effective local
land-use planning while respecting private property
rights.
The Ridge Administration has
worked closely with Sen. Gerlach and Rep. Steil to ensure the
two bills include the four components of the "Growing Smarter"
legislative plan that Gov. Ridge said are necessary for any
land-use bill he would sign. Those components now will revise
the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act of 1968)
and will:
•Amend the code to clarify the
authority of counties and municipalities to create Locally
Designated Growth Areas as part of their comprehensive
land-use plans;
• Amend the code to
encourage and enhance "Transferable Development Rights" as a
tool to preserve open space and farmland, and to drive growth
to areas where it is wanted. This voluntary program would
empower property owners to realize the full value of their
land by selling development rights to another
owner;
• Amend the code to give
local governments greater ability to withstand legal
challenges while effectively planning for growth in their
communities; and
• Amend the code to
facilitate consistent planning at the local, county and
regional levels while retaining local control.
Senate Bill 300 and House Bill 14
complement each other in addressing these components. Both
bills also contain additional tools, supported by the Governor
to assist local governments in combating sprawl more
effectively.
(DEP Update
- 6/23/00)
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