The Governor's Center for Local Government Services is designated as the principle state entity responsible for land use assistance and monitoring. The Center serves as a resource for local government officials, developers, and citizens interested in sound land use planning.

As a result of the efforts of many groups and individuals who are dedicated to preserving and improving the Commonwealth's quality of life, 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 Center provides valuable tools that will support wise land use decisions and will encourage economic development, a healthy environment, and strong communities.

Funding – Learn more about the Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP)  is separated into two programs. The first program includes the Community Planning and Implementation Programs. The second program includes the Transit Revitalization Investment District (Act 238 of 2004) - 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 Land Use Planning Series of publications, land use documents including Better Models for Development in Pennsylvania, Conference Reports, Annual reports, and other reports (i.e., best practices, trends, etc.), and also our 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. Find out about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

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

Electronic Land Use Library – or e-library, is an electronic clearinghouse of county and municipal comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and other land use regulations from across the Commonwealth. The e-library can help citizens and state, county and local governments with important land use decisions.

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.

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

Governor's Center for Local Government Services
Department of Community and Economic Development
4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225
(voice) 888-223-6837
Email: feedback@landuseinpa.com