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;

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)