New law, Act 93, amends MCOCA
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1567 into law as Act 93 of 2024 on Oct. 2. The new law amends the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act (MCOCA) to address and clarify how municipalities may issue certain types of temporary occupancy permits for multi-family properties that are transferring ownership. The bill makes clear that municipalities have the power to issue a temporary use certificate even for multi-family properties where tenants are currently in place. Act 93 also clarifies that both municipalities and municipal authorities must abide by MCOCA when implementing use and occupancy permit and inspections programs. This legislation was a key priority for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR) during the 2023-2024 legislative session. The bill, which was introduced by state Rep. Steven Malagari (D-53), of Montgomery County, passed the Pennsylvania Senate in mid-September, after previously passing the Pennsylvania House at the end of 2023. Read more about it at the PAR website.
Source: PAR; 10/3/2024

PennDOT seeks feedback on construction, maintenance services
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through its online 2024 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey. The public can take the survey through Oct. 22. “PennDOT is working hard for Pennsylvanians every day, and work on our roads and bridges is one of our largest services in our communities,” Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll said. “This survey is one way the public can help us find successes, potential improvements or educational opportunities.”
Source: Gettysburg Times; 9/26/2024

PA’s lead pipe problem is one of the worst in the nation
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia alone report 29,000 and 25,000 lead pipes, respectively, and a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that its numbers underestimate the problem due to a lack of data. The council report estimated that more than 660,000 service lines in Pennsylvania contain lead. “In a new level of detail, we see a pervasive problem with cities and towns, big and small, across the country that have documented where people are drinking through what amounts to a lead straw, and where we do not even know the pipe materials,” the report authors wrote. State and federal funds have provided money for lead pipe removal in recent years. In January, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced $200 million for water system upgrades and lead pipe removal. The commonwealth received $300 million in 2022 for water infrastructure projects. State legislators have also pushed for more state funding.
Source: Daily Local; 9/30/2024

Income needed to buy a house grew more in Philadelphia and Delco last year than anywhere else
The income needed to afford a typical home in Philadelphia and Delaware counties increased by almost 6% in a year, the biggest jump across the 50 most populous metro areas. In the region that Redfin defined as the two counties, homebuyers needed to make $82,447 per year to afford the $300,000 cost of the median-priced home sold last month, according to the online real estate brokerage. That necessary income is a lot lower than most of the other 50 most populous regions, but the 6% increase is more than other regions experienced from the same time last year. Rising home prices are hiking up the income needed to afford homes. In the Philadelphia-Delaware County region, the median home price increased by about 9% compared to the same time last year. That’s the second highest increase in Redfin’s analysis of 50 metros. The traditional definition of housing affordability is spending no more than 30% of income on monthly housing costs. In the Philadelphia-Delaware County region, the typical household makes about $9,700 less per year than it needed to afford the median-priced home sold last month. It would need to spend 34% of its income on housing.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 9/30/2024

DEP releases tips for how to be stormwater smart
In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) labeled approximately 19,000 miles of rivers and streams in Pennsylvania impaired for water supply, aquatic life, recreation or fish consumption. Stormwater runoff pollution is one of the biggest reasons for the impairment. Over the past 100 years, streets, parking lots, sidewalks and roofs have caused rain that would otherwise soak into the ground to instead flow over the nonporous surfaces and into storm drains, which send it directly into rivers and streams. The DEP has put together a guide that gives residents tips on how to reduce stormwater runoff and improve the quality of Pennsylvania’s waterways.
Source: PA DEP 

East Rockhill to consider regulations for sanitary sewage disposal systems
East Rockhill Township supervisors are considering a proposed ordinance that creates a new Part 5 to Chapter 18 of the municipal code, entitled “Individual and Community Sanitary Sewage Disposal Systems.” The proposed ordinance sets the requirements for permits and maintenance, provides for the right of entry and inspections, establishes proper operation procedures, sets forth the prioritized list of systems for installation, provides the health department powers to require repair or replacement of systems, and authorizes the placement of municipal liens. It also requires the proper disposal of septage, establishes requirements for in-ground, drip irrigation or sand mound systems, individual spray irrigation systems, small flow treatment facilities, holding tanks, alternate and experimental systems, community sewage systems, and replacement sewage disposal areas. The proposed ordinance also establishes requirements for sewage management agreements, sets procedures for appeals and waivers, establishes penalties for violations, addresses municipal liability, and provides for an immediate effective date. The supervisors will consider the proposal at a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., in the East Rockhill Township Municipal Building, 1622 Ridge Road, Perkasie. A full copy of the proposed ordinance may be examined at the township offices. Check the East Rockhill Township meeting agenda page for the most up-to-date information about the meeting.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 9/27/2024

Pennsbury School District announces community meeting to review new high school plans
Pennsbury School District has announced an upcoming community meeting to provide updates on the design and development of a new high school. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. in the East Auditorium of Pennsbury High School at 705 Hood Blvd. in Falls Township. The new facility is projected to span between 475,000 and 505,000 square feet and accommodate up to 2,800 students. The estimated cost for the new high school ranges between $240 million and $275 million. The district hopes to begin construction in 2025, with the school’s opening scheduled for winter 2029.
Source: LevittownNow; 9/30/2024

Bristol Township School Board misses 30-day deadline to fill vacancy
Bristol Township School Board members found themselves at an impasse when trying to fill a vacancy. The seat was left vacant after Mary Sharble resigned on Aug. 19, stating she was moving out of the district. The board voted twice on appointing Drew DiDonato to the seat, and both attempts resulted in a 4-4 tie, missing the required majority. Since the board failed to fill the vacancy within a 30-day deadline, the impasse means the selection process moves to county court. School Board President James Morgan filed a petition in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas asking a judge to appoint DiDonato to the school board. Board members who voted against DiDonato’s appointment expressed concerns about the lack of an interview process for candidates. Morgan said scheduling conflicts in August made gathering a quorum for candidate interviews impossible. Morgan reminded those interested in the vacant position that they can still run in the upcoming March 2025 primary election, the appointment is just for the remainder of Sharble’s term.
Source: LevittownNow; 9/30/2024

Falls Township approves biochar facility for green waste
Falls Township supervisors unanimously granted preliminary and final land development approval for a biochar facility to be constructed at 80 M Y Lane. The biochar facility would be used to reduce landscaping waste from Shades of Green Inc., located near the property. The approved facility will use technology from Florida-based AirBurners to perform controlled burns of up to 15 tons of wood and landscape material per hour. The process is designed to reduce green waste volume by 90%, transforming it into biochar, a clean carbon ash that can enhance soil quality.
Source: The Reporter; 9/29/2024 & LevittownNow; 10/1/2024

Northampton Township to consider stormwater amendment
The Northampton Township Board of Supervisors will consider a proposed ordinance amending the township code, specifically Chapter 23, Stormwater and Grading, Part 5, Design Criteria and Requirements, for the purpose of adding allowable best management practices (BMP) design and construction criteria for residential uses. The complete text of the proposed ordinance is available on the township website. The supervisors will consider the ordinance in a public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Northampton Township Building, 55 Township Road, Richboro.
Source: Northampton Township; 9/26/2024

Middletown Fire Prevention Expo is Oct. 12
The Middletown Township Fire and Emergency Services Department will host a Fire Prevention Expo on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Restaurant Depot parking lot, 1661 Lincoln Highway, Langhorne. The Fire Prevention Expo is part of Fire Prevention Month in Middletown.
Source: Middletown Township; 9/2024

North Coventry adopts peddling and soliciting ordinance
On Aug. 26, the North Coventry Township Board of Supervisors adopted a peddling and solicitation ordinance to establish new standards and enhance regulations for solicitors. The purpose of the ordinance is to repeal the existing, older provisions, and enable improved measures to protect the safety and privacy of residents by regulating the behavior of solicitors and by limiting access to residents who do not wish to interact with them. Individuals who wish to obtain a permit to solicit and do not fall under a regulatory exemption must obtain a permit from the township administration office and provide necessary background documentation for review. If the permit is approved, the individual will be issued a license and identification badge with lanyard to be worn conspicuously during soliciting activities. Every member of a business group must file individual license applications. Licenses are granted for 14-day periods. The township has also implemented a “Do Not Solicit Registry” for residents who do not wish to be contacted by non-exempt solicitors. If the application for a license is approved for solicitation, the solicitor will be provided a copy of the registry.
Source: North Coventry Township; 9/15/2024

East Marlborough to hold series of budget work sessions
The East Marlborough Board of Supervisors will hold special meetings to discuss the 2025 budget on Wednesdays, Oct. 16 and 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the township building, 721 Unionville Road, Kennett Square. East Marlborough’s current millage tax rate is 2.183. A property with an assessed value of $250,000 has an annual township property tax of about $545. The township’s summer newsletter included a discussion of the financial obligations, township services and taxes. As part of that summary, there is a discussion of future and unmet needs — such as increased expenses for fire protection and emergency services, and capital improvements for roads and bridges, sewer and stormwater systems, and open spaces. The options for meeting township needs include a property tax increase or an earned income tax.
Source: East Marlborough Township; 9/26/2024

Atglen Borough seeks new planning commissioner
There is a vacancy on the volunteer Atglen Borough Planning Commission. The commission meets on an as-needed basis, on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Residents interested in joining can submit a letter to Caren Andrews, the borough manager, at manager@atglen.org.
Source: Atglen Borough; 10/2024

East Fallowfield kicks off municipal complex feasibility study
East Fallowfield Township launched a feasibility study for a new municipal complex at a public meeting on Sept. 23. The township's consultant, Heckendorn Shiles Architects, reviewed existing conditions, discussed facility sizes compared to population, analyzed the proposed site at 221 Wilmington Road, and reviewed the project schedule. View the presentation here. The consultant will present the findings again at the Tuesday, Oct. 22, supervisors meeting.
Source: East Fallowfield Township; 9/24/2024