Pennsylvania families are facing a housing affordability crisis. Rising housing costs are fueled not only by market pressures but also by outdated zoning restrictions that limit construction options and add layers of red tape.

To help spur the construction of new housing, I will soon introduce legislation amending the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers that drive up housing costs and restrict development. This legislation takes a targeted approach to streamline local development approvals and empower municipalities to support housing growth without sacrificing safety or quality.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Automatic Approval for Certain Developments: If a project has secured water and sewer service and is in a non-residential zone or designated for office, retail, or parking, municipalities must approve the application.
• Flexibility for Multifamily, Mixed-Use, and Adaptive Reuse Projects: These developments will no longer be subject to rigid requirements such as:
  • Minimum or maximum residential density limits.
  • Height restrictions that prevent adding affordable units.
  • Excessive setbacks, lot size, or coverage mandates.
  • Mandatory walls, fences, or impervious pavement beyond health and safety needs.
  • Nonpublic open space or common area requirements.
  • One-size-fits-all parking mandates, allowing shared parking agreements instead.

By cutting through unnecessary regulations, we can lower construction costs, accelerate development timelines, and expand housing supply—especially in areas where demand is highest. This bill promotes adaptive reuse of existing structures, mixed-use communities, and multifamily housing, all of which are critical to meeting Pennsylvania’s housing needs.

This legislation is about common sense. It removes outdated zoning hurdles, gives developers more options, and helps municipalities foster vibrant, affordable communities. I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring this important measure to make housing more attainable for Pennsylvanians.