Pennsylvania lawmakers on either side of the aisle agree that zoning and building code regulations are strangling the supply of new homes in the commonwealth. State Democrats and Republicans have introduced at least a dozen proposals this legislative session that would loosen these laws to encourage housing construction and reduce prices. State Sen. John DiSanto (R-15) announced an omnibus proposal that touches on parking and lot size requirements, would allow medium-density housing in all large municipalities, and allow “the automatic right” to use manufactured homes and accessory dwelling units in single-family zoning districts. The Pennsylvania Housing Choices Coalition — made up of chambers of commerce, developer trade groups, Habitat for Humanity chapters, Americans for Prosperity, the urbanist group 5th Square and more — has emerged to support legislation like DiSanto’s. Not everyone agrees — apartment and condo proposals are often met with ferocious opposition in the suburbs. Dave Sanko, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, argued that “builders and Realtors don’t want there to be any rules. They want to be able to do whatever they want.” State Sen. Nikil Saval (D-1), a progressive who focuses on housing issues and supports DiSanto’s proposal, said, “We have to look at the greater good that makes planning and land use decisions a collective concern.” Read more in the Philadelphia Inquirer and at SpotlightPA.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/21/2024 and SpotlightPA; 3/18/2024