The Evolving Law of Zoning (brochure)

The power to zone is not an inherent power of municipalities. Instead, the power to zone is derived from constitutional principles and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Those constitutional principles and the MPC establish the foundation on which municipalities can zone. Pennsylvania courts regularly interpret constitutional principles and the MPC to shape the law on zoning.

Like a ball of clay, the law on zoning is shaped and reshaped with every court decision. This course will look at the foundation of zoning and provide a refresher on the the legal basics of zoning. This course also will look at the constantly evolving framework within which decisions on zoning are made. Instructors will discuss the most relevant recent court decisions for municipal officials. Instructors will discuss those court decisions within the context of everyday zoning administration to provide tips on the practical application of those court decisions.

Finally, this course will take a look at what is on the horizon. From pending amendments to the MPC to cases soon to be decided by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Commonwealth Court, instructors will discuss what may be next for zoning. Instructors also will discuss emerging uses that may need to be regulated by zoning in your municipality (e.g., small-cell communications technology, air bed and breakfasts, etc.).

https://palocalgovtraining.org/