Land Development~ Land Use Planning and Regulation in Pennsylvania: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Across Pennsylvania, land use tools are evolving in response to broad changes in population, shifting economies, new technologies, and a changing climate. The purpose of the webinar is to present the current state of land use planning practices across the state with specific examples of current practices from one county. Drawing on the findings of recent research that analyzed land use practices across Pennsylvania, presenters will discuss tools commonly used by municipalities to manage growth and development. Over the past 20 years, PA counties have become more involved in comprehensive planning, providing GIS services, hazard mitigation planning, solid waste management, emergency management planning, and stormwater management planning. Comprehensive Land Use Plans are evolving from a data-heavy document to one that is project driven and often referred to as the “Implementable Comprehensive Plan.” This session will explore that new approach to land-use planning along with implementation tools such as form-based zoning, cluster development, and planned residential development. We will also address the question of which is the better option for my community: municipal, multi-municipal, or county administration of land-use ordinances.

Learning Objectives

1. Review the ongoing planning challenges impacting land use regulations in Pennsylvania.
2. Understand the evolving planning role of Pennsylvania counties in the planning process.
3. Discuss best practices related to comprehensive plans and their implementation.
4. Learn about the potential of newer planning tools and their use in supporting land development.