Pennsylvania is "Growing Smarter." DCED and other state agencies, along with thousands of local officials and other interested citizens throughout the state, 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.

2010 State Land Use and Growth Management Report

The Center has a statutory responsibility to prepare a report every five years on land use and growth management trends in the state, including recommendations.  Access the report.

Marcellus Shale

More information can be obtained by visiting DCED's Marcellus Shale website.

Funding

DCED provides funding to local governments for community planning through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP).  Funding supports multi-municipal, regional and county planning and implementation efforts, including TRID studies.  Access MAP in the DCED Program Finder. (updated 12/27/11)

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 state.

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.

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 state. 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). We have addtional resources here.

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