NAR welcomes FHFA Fair Lending Final Rule and Equitable Housing Finance Plans
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced its finalized Fair Lending, Fair Housing, and Equitable Housing Finance Plans to address barriers to sustainable housing opportunities. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) applauds FHFA's efforts to codify existing practices and programs, which shows a sustained commitment from the agency to remove obstacles to homeownership and expand opportunities for home buyers of all backgrounds, including first-time and low- and moderate-income buyers. "The Equitable Housing Finance Plans are an active step in closing homeownership gaps among demographic groups," said Bryan Greene, NAR's vice president of policy advocacy. "We applaud the work that FHFA has done to support lenders who create special-purpose credit programs. This work promotes more fairness and greater soundness in the housing finance system and, ultimately, more homeownership opportunities for more Americans." NAR also applauds FHFA for its work in credit score modernization. Changes to incorporate rental and utility payments in credit scores have resulted in positive benefits for 750,000 renters.
Source: Nar.realtor; 4/30/2024

FTC issues final rule banning non-compete agreements
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule banning all non-compete agreements for all workers and has explained that non-compete agreements are “an unfair method of competition and therefore in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, for employers to enter into non-compete [agreements] with workers and to enforce certain non-compete [agreements].” Under the final rule, employers will be prohibited from entering into new non-compete agreements with workers on or after the effective date of the rule. The rule broadly defines workers to include “employees, independent contractors, interns, externs, volunteers, apprentices, or sole proprietors.” Employers are defined under the rule to include “natural persons, partnerships, corporations, associations, and other legal entities within the commission’s jurisdiction” and applies to most businesses. The rule also applies to franchisees and franchisors and impacts approximately 30 million workers. Additionally, employers are required under the rule to provide notice to workers bound to an existing non-compete agreement that the agreements will not be enforced against them in the future. Existing non-compete agreements for workers in “senior executive” positions, earning more than $151,164 and who are in “policy making positions” may remain in effect and are not invalidated by the final rule. Read more here.
Source: Nar.realtor; 4/24/2024

How members help shape NAR’s 2024 policy priorities
The National Association of Realtors has posted a video that explains how member feedback shapes the association’s legislative priorities, from inventory and affordability to independent contractor status and fair housing.
Source: Nar.realtor; 4/25/2024

Residents have options on water and sewage line warranties
Philadelphia area homeowners may not know they are responsible for the pipes that run between their homes and the water and sewer mains. According to Forbes, water line repairs typically cost between $350 and $1,575, while water line replacement can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $12,000 — with most home insurance policies not covering it. Philadelphia residents can obtain optional water and sewage line protection at a discounted rate from American Water Resources. The program covers normal wear and tear — like leaks, clogs, blockages or breaks — but not third-party damage. Residents in the suburbs can find out more about available protection options from their municipality or service provider. As an alternative, Consumer Reports experts recommend setting aside money one might put toward a warranty into a savings account instead of paying a company each month. Residents can also check with their insurer to see if there is an option to add additional coverage.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 4/29/2024 

Solebury to consider amendments to short-term rental ordinance
Solebury Township supervisors have scheduled a hearing to receive public comments on a proposed ordinance regarding short-term lodging facilities. The proposed ordinance will amend a short-term lodging ordinance enacted in 2022 by clarifying certain sections to add the words “primary residence” and specific terms, including “single family attached, or two-family,” “or two-family,” and “or twin,” and strike specific terms, including “or agriculture.” The hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at the township building, 3092 Sugan Road. The supervisors may consider enactment of the proposed ordinance after the hearing. A copy of the proposed ordinance is posted on the township website.
Source: The Intelligencer; 4/2024

Disputed digital billboard removed in Middletown
A digital billboard at the corner of East Lincoln Highway and South Flowers Mill Road in Middletown Township has been dismantled. The billboard was installed in early 2021 by Premier First Media after the Middletown Township supervisors approved a 25-year lease agreement with the company for the small tract of municipal land. The owners of a nearby auto dealership challenged the Middletown Township Zoning Hearing Board’s initial approval of the sign. A Bucks County Court of Common Pleas judge ruling in 2022 allowed the billboard on the property. The county judge’s ruling was appealed to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, and in a late 2023 ruling Commonwealth Court found the billboard’s installation invalid in the right of way, essentially reversing the lower court’s order.
Source: Levittown Now; 4/24/2024

New Hope planners add meeting for comp plan discussion
The New Hope Borough Planning Commission has added a meeting on the second Monday of each month to discuss the borough’s comprehensive plan update. A comprehensive plan is an official document that serves as a guide to land-use decision making. The additional monthly meeting will begin on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room, 125 New St. New Hope officials recently promised community engagement opportunities for the borough comprehensive planning process and added a section to the borough website. The borough last updated its comprehensive plan in 2011.
Source: Bucks County Courier Time; 4/28/2024

Gap in Delaware Canal Trail filled in Morrisville
The opening of Bridge Street Crossing in Morrisville Borough has filled one of Pennsylvania’s “Top 10 Trail Gaps” and completely connected the 75-mile uninterrupted trail that runs from Bristol Borough to Allentown. The 0.1-mile crossing means trail users will no longer have to take detours to continue their travels. Claire W. Sadler, executive director of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, highlighted the impact of the new crossing. “What may appear to be a small road crossing, in reality, is a major connector between nine miles of towpath trail south to Bristol and 50 miles north to Easton along the Delaware Canal.” The completion of the Bridge Street connector also marks a key development in the broader regional trail systems, including the Circuit Trails network and the East Coast Greenway.
Source: Levittown Now; 4/27/2024

Upper Southampton to amend nuisance ordinance
Upper Southampton Township supervisors are considering an amendment to the township’s nuisance ordinance. The amendment would add regulations “pertaining to and prohibiting roosters and peacocks within the township,” according to a public notice. A public hearing on the proposed amendment will be held on Tuesday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lower-Level Meeting Room of the Upper Southampton Library Building, 947 Street Road, Southampton. The full text of the proposed ordinance can be examined at the Upper Southampton Township Municipal Building located at 939 Street Road, Southampton.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 4/24/2024 

West Vincent conducting point-of-sale inspections
The Suburban Realtors Alliance was recently made aware that West Vincent Township has started conducting point-of-sale inspections of existing residential properties. The Alliance requested a copy of the enabling ordinance and was referred to the building permit section of the zoning chapter in West Vincent’s municipal code, which mainly concerns new construction certificates. The Alliance conveyed to West Vincent Township our concern that there is no mention of the state law that governs resale use and occupancy inspections, the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act as amended by Act 133 of 2016. The law provides important protections for both sellers and buyers of real estate, and we believe it is crucial that any ordinance or policy affecting the transfer of real property adheres to the procedures outlined in it. Realtors are asked to contact the Alliance at sra@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com if they experience any issues relating to compliance with Act 133 during a point-of-sale inspection in West Vincent Township. 

Penn Township to hold public hearing on comprehensive plan
The Penn Township Board of Supervisors will hold a public meeting to consider the adoption of the 2024 Penn Township Comprehensive Plan. The plan contains chapters relating to natural resources, open space and parks and recreation, guiding growth, heritage preservation, multimodal transportation, resilience preparedness and implementation strategies, as well as background documents, maps, inventories, community climate profiles and public participation. The final draft of the plan is available here. The public hearing will take place on Tuesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at the Penn Township Municipal Building located at 260 Lewis Road, West Grove.
Source: Penn Township; 2/20/2024

TMACC survey seeks commuters’ opinions
The Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) has launched its Chester County Commuter Survey 2024 to better understand daily commuting patterns and challenges. Survey responses will directly influence the development of more effective and sustainable transportation solutions in Chester County.
Source: City of Coatesville; 4/2024

Draft Chester (Goose) Creek evaluation report is open for public comment
The Chester Creek Draft Stream Evaluation Report is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website for a 30-day comment period. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested that the DEP provide a summary of the designated use history of each waterbody and current available data that may include fish assemblage and macroinvertebrate data. In response, the DEP conducted an evaluation of the Chester Creek watershed including portions “locally known as Goose Creek” to document the correct stream names and appropriate designated uses. The public can submit written comments through June 4. Read the full notice on West Goshen Township’s website here.
Source: West Goshen Township; 4/29/2024

West Chester Borough is accepting applications for planning commission
West Chester Borough Council is accepting applications through May 9 for residents interested in filling a vacant volunteer position on the borough planning commission. The planning commission advises council on planning and zoning matters. More details are posted on the borough website.
Source: West Chester Borough; 4/18/2024