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Bill > HB750
PA HB750
PA HB750In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in subdivision and land development, providing for local option for high impact warehouses and distribution centers.
summary
Introduced
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
In Committee
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), entitled "An act to empower cities of the second class A, and third class, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships of the first and second classes including those within a county of the second class and counties of the second through eighth classes, individually or jointly, to plan their development and to govern the same by zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances, planned residential development and other ordinances, by official maps, by the reservation of certain land for future public purpose and by the acquisition of such land; to promote the conservation of energy through the use of planning practices and to promote the effective utilization of renewable energy sources; providing for the establishment of planning commissions, planning departments, planning committees and zoning hearing boards, authorizing them to charge fees, make inspections and hold public hearings; providing for mediation; providing for transferable development rights; providing for appropriations, appeals to courts and penalties for violations; and repealing acts and parts of acts," in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in subdivision and land development, providing for local option for high impact warehouses and distribution centers.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to establish new definitions and a local voting process for high-impact warehouses and distribution centers. The bill defines "distribution center" and "warehouse" as specialized facilities for storing and managing goods, explicitly excluding retail facilities. It introduces a new definition for "high impact warehouse or distribution center" as a development using at least three acres and spanning 100,000 square feet or more. The bill creates a mandatory local referendum process where any proposed high-impact warehouse or distribution center must be approved by local voters through a formal election. Under this process, the municipal governing body can place a specific question on the ballot describing the proposed facility's details, and voters will directly decide whether to approve or deny the project. If a majority of voters approve the project, the application is finalized; if a majority votes against it, the application is denied. The referendum must be held at least 100 days after the initial municipal decision, and the ballot question will include specific details about the proposed facility. The bill aims to give local residents direct input into significant warehouse and distribution center developments in their municipalities, providing a new layer of democratic oversight for large-scale industrial projects.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Referred to Local Government (on 02/25/2025)
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