Bill > HB1020

This bill amends Pennsylvania municipal law to establish a comprehensive framework for registering and managing vacant and blighted properties. The legislation defines a "vacant and blighted property" and allows municipalities to create registration programs requiring property owners to register such properties and pay escalating fees based on how long the property remains unimproved. Registration fees start at $500 in the first year and increase to $5,000 for properties that remain vacant and blighted for nine or more years. The bill provides several exemptions from registration and fees, including properties under active construction, properties being actively marketed for sale or rent, properties owned by military personnel on active duty, and properties where owners can demonstrate economic hardship or are involved in legal proceedings. Municipalities can contract with third-party entities to manage the registry and are required to establish a clear process for property owners to remove their properties from the registry. The bill also imposes penalties for non-compliance, including daily fines of $25 for residential properties and $50 for commercial/industrial properties, with unpaid fees becoming liens against the property. Property owners are granted a right of appeal, and the act is designed to encourage property maintenance and rehabilitation while providing municipalities with tools to address neighborhood blight.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1020