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Bill

SR 211

A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the effectiveness and performance of the Municipalities Planning Code and its preparation for review and enforcement under the Department of Community and Economic Development.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Baker and 8 co-sponsors

SR 211 directs a 6-month study by LBFC to evaluate how the Municipalities Planning Code operates, its costs and impacts, and lessons from other states to guide future modernization

Adopted
0
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Bill Summary · SR 211

Summary of Senate Resolution 211 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Overall purpose

SR 211 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to conduct a formal study of the effectiveness and performance of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and how it would be prepared for review and enforcement under the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The goal is to assess current functioning, identify shortcomings, and inform potential legislative action to modernize the MPC.

Key provisions and study scope

The resolution requires the LBFC to prepare a comprehensive report that includes:
1. Impact assessment on core outcomes
- Housing affordability
- Local economic development
- Revenue implications and the costs associated with zoning delays and appeal proceedings
2. Administrative and compliance costs for municipalities and the Commonwealth
- Staffing needs
- Procedural costs and fees
- Requirement for and cost of additional professional services
3. Comparative best practices
- Review planning and zoning statutes and practices in similarly situated peer states
- Identify modernization trends and potential lessons applicable to Pennsylvania
4. Preliminary considerations for future reform
- A list of topics and issues to be considered before any comprehensive update to the MPC is advanced by the General Assembly

Who would be affected

  • Municipal governments: potential changes in administrative burden, staffing, costs, and processes related to planning, zoning, and compliance under the MPC.
  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (DCED and related agencies): potential changes in oversight, enforcement, and administrative costs tied to MPC administration.
  • General Assembly: informed, data-driven guidance for any future MPC modernization legislation.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • The LBFC is directed to complete the study and issue its report within 180 days of the adoption of the resolution.
  • Current status:
    • Adopted on April 21, 2026.
    • Referred to Local Government (January 23, 2026); subsequently reported as amended (March 17, 2026) and adopted (April 21, 2026).

Additional context

  • The resolution notes concerns that the MPC and its processes may be outdated or ineffective and acknowledges bipartisan/ bicameral interest in amending MPC provisions.
  • It frames the study as a prerequisite to any broad legislative update, ensuring that policymakers have a solid evidence base.

Bottom line

SR 211 initiates a focused, 6-month(ish) assessment by the LBFC to evaluate how well the MPC operates today, what costs and administrative burdens it imposes, how it affects housing and economic outcomes, and what modernization approaches other states are pursuing. The resulting report is intended to inform future, comprehensive MPC modernization legislation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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