The Pennsylvania Senate approved three bills aimed at expanding access to housing and addressing the state’s growing housing shortage, Sen. Lisa Baker announced on June 3.
Baker said, “Pennsylvania’s housing shortage is making it harder for families, young professionals and seniors to find homes that meet their needs. These bills take a practical approach to removing barriers that slow housing development, helping communities create more housing opportunities while maintaining local oversight. By making the permitting and approval process more efficient, we can support responsible growth and expand access to attainable housing across the commonwealth.”
The legislation includes Senate Bill 1279, which creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer tasked with improving coordination and efficiency in the permitting process. Senate Bill 1236 aims to reduce regulatory burdens on small-scale home construction projects by reforming the stormwater permitting process. Senate Bill 1281 seeks to streamline municipal approval processes by utilizing pre-approved housing plans to reduce delays and cut unnecessary red tape.
According to Baker, these reforms are intended to remove several of the barriers contributing to Pennsylvania’s current lack of available homes. The measures are designed both to increase opportunities for homeownership and give communities flexibility in encouraging growth according to local needs.
The three bills will now move forward for consideration in the House of Representatives.
