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Community Planning

Pennsylvania is "Growing Smarter." The Center and other state agencies, along with thousands of local officials and other interested citizens throughout the Commonwealth, are working together to plan for the future health and vitality of our communities.

The Governor's Center for Local Government Services serves as a resource for local government officials, developers, and citizens interested in planning to improve, grow and enhance communities. It provides valuable tools that will support wise land use decisions and encourage economic development, a healthy environment, and strong communities.

Marcellus Shale -- Learn more about Marcellus Shales natural gas explorations and extractions by viewing the DCED Marcellus Shale fact sheet. More information can also be obtained by visiting DCED's Marcellus Shale website.

Funding – Learn more about the two Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Programs (LUPTAP). The first program includes the Community Planning and Implementation Programs. The second program includes planning studies for Transit Revitalization Investment Districts (Act 238 of 2004) (Internal link to - Planning Studies Program (TRID). Funding supports multi-municipal, regional and county planning and implementation efforts. Access the LUPTAP and TRID Guidelines. (updated 2/5/08)

Publications – Access the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) , the Governor's Center's popular Planning Series of publications, planning and land use reports such as the State Land Use and Growth Management Report 2005, Better Models for Development in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Standards for Residential Site Development, and Suggested Provisions to Meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). (updated 4/11/07)

Technical Assistance – Learn more on how local government officials can request assistance from the Center on land use and planning issues. Or find out about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Training – Access the Center’s training database and calendar. You can also access the Center’s MPC Made Easy workshop online.

Electronic Land Use Library – The e-library is an electronic clearinghouse of county and municipal comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and other land use regulations. Citizens, officials, builders and real estate professionals can view plans and ordinances from local governments throughout the Commonwealth.

Land Use Law Library – The law library lists currently proposed amendments to the Municipalities Planning Code and other important bills, state statutes related to land use, and important case law summaries of recent zoning and land development cases.

LUTED Initiative – State and regional agencies work together to identify priority projects and coordination for the Land Use, Transportation and Economic Development (LUTED) initiative. Statewide and regional conferences were held and regional action plans are now being prepared.

State Planning Board's 2006 Report and Executive Summary – Both the State Planning Board's Report and Executive Summary are now available. You can also view a list of the State Planning Board's Members. (updated 2/2/2010)

Keystone Principles For Growth, Investment & Resource Conservation - Enacted by the Governor's Economic Development cabinet, the Principles and Criteria are used by state agencies to guide investment and support local growth and economic development across the commonwealth. The Principles & Criteria are designed as a coordinated interagency approach to fostering sustainable economic development and conservation of resources through the state's investments in Pennsylvania's diverse communities. (To print a full size version of the Principles file, please change the paper size in Adobes printer setup from "letter" to "11x17")

Other Resources – Provides access to a variety of planning and land use resources from a variety of stakeholders (such as the EAC Handbook and planning related links). (updated 5/24/07)

PennDOT's Center for Program Development has established the Linking Land Use and Transportation Planning website, which provides access to numerous planning resources.