A home is not just a housing unit. It is not merely a consumer product or an investment vehicle for corporations. It is a place where the full range of a human life can be lived—from the young adult just starting out, to the adults caring for aging parents. It offers the chance of stability; it accommodates the practice of hospitality, of neighborliness.  

 

But the ability to establish a home in Pennsylvania has become increasingly difficult. A significant shortage of available homes has made this fixture of American life unaffordable for many. One major factor contributing to this shortage is restrictive zoning regulations. From 2017 to 2023, Pennsylvania ranked 44th in new construction. During this period, the average rent in 23 Pennsylvania counties surged from $1,013 in 2017 to $1,476 in 2023—a 46% increase.
  

To combat this aspect of what is now recognized as a housing crisis, I am introducing legislation to remove unnecessary barriers to building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs, which can be built without purchasing land and can be a more affordable source of housing. Some ADUs are newly constructed, stand-alone structures; others may be an addition to an existing home.  
 

Since single-family detached homes occupy a substantial portion of land in Pennsylvania communities, allowing ADUs in these areas is an effective way to boost housing supply with minimal neighborhood impact and create more attainable and affordable housing options in high-opportunity neighborhoods. 
 

This bill aims to expedite the permit approval process, update parking requirements for ADUs and address the issue of duplicated utility hook-up fees leading to lower-cost housing solutions that help to fill the gaps created by previously prohibitive housing policies. 
 

I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring this effort to make homes more affordable.