Colleagues:
I plan to introduce an amendment to Section 503.1 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
 
Current law already requires every subdivision and land-development ordinance to mandate that applicants present evidence of adequate water service from a certificated public utility, bona fide cooperative association, or municipal authority/utility. However, the statute is silent on when that evidence must be submitted. While many municipalities treat submission prior to final approval as best practice, it is not uniformly required.
 
This bill simply codifies that requirement by providing that the evidence must be presented before final subdivision or land-development approval. Acceptable evidence remains unchanged: a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Certificate of Public Convenience (or application), cooperative agreement, or commitment to serve.
 
The change closes a procedural gap, promotes responsible growth, protects public health, and ensures reliable water infrastructure is secured before final plats are approved.
 
Please consider cosponsoring this common-sense measure.