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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 31, 2023 02:42 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator John DiSanto and Sen. Daniel Laughlin, Sen. Greg Rothman |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Housing Affordability through Land Use Reforms |
| Soon, we will introduce legislation to alleviate municipal zoning restrictions that impede housing affordability so that homeownership or other quality housing options are available to all Pennsylvanians. Some of the primary culprits contributing to the ongoing housing shortage are excessive land use regulations and zoning restrictions that unfairly limit what kinds of housing can be built where. These regulations not only increase construction costs but also curtail the development of medium and high-density housing options, which are being sought by potential residents across all income levels. Our proposed legislation offers defensible limits on local zoning regulations while restoring the rights of private property owners to create more affordable housing alternatives. Many other states and local governments have successfully employed similar measures to stimulate housing construction without burdening taxpayers with costly, inefficient government programs. Specifically, our legislation will grant the automatic right to use manufactured housing and accessory dwelling units in single-family zoning districts. For municipalities with larger populations, medium-density housing will also be permitted by right. Our legislation will also ensure onerous minimum lot sizes and parking space requirements don’t interfere with housing affordability. National surveys consistently reaffirm that homeownership remains integral to the American Dream. By curtailing exclusionary land use barriers and allowing market forces to operate, we will encourage the development of communities that our residents want, at a price they can afford. Together, we can make Pennsylvania a place where the American Dream of homeownership is within reach for all. Please join us in cosponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as SB1126