Gleason, Difrancesco, Shahade,  Barbin, McQuillan & Markovitz LLP  Johnstown, Pennsylvania Full Text - Selected Pennsylvania Laws (related to local government)

These Laws have been placed on this server to both help the Public to understand how local government agencies work and to assist persons in securing their rights in a democratic society.  Democracy can't realize it's full potential unless citizens take an active role in government and some knowledge of the law is essential to effective participation.

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    The Pennsylvania Constitution, unlike some other states such as Ohio or California, centralizes power in the state government.   Pennsylvania Municipal Law is established by the legislature to secure rights to citizens vis a vis the local government agencies. The following laws enumerate the powers of local government and establish rights in the public as to the conduct of local government. Unfortunately very few laws exist in Pennsylvania which protect the citizens rights with respect to the legislature or other branches of state government.

WGB 1998

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Click here for these laws arranged for municipal water and sewage matters.

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Environmental Laws Affecting Municipalities

Generally Applicable Municipal Law

• Pennsylvania Sunshine Law          Public and Open Meetings, rights of citizens

• Pennsylvania Right to Know Law  Act 100 of 2002

• Pennsylvania Ethics Law Act 93 of 1998  (64 P.S Section 1101 et. seq.)
• Pennsylvania Ethics  Commission

• Pennsylvania Municipal Torts Claim Act

Limitation on Law Suits against Local Government and Public Officials

• Recreational Use of Land and Water Act

Limitation of liability on property owners (public and private)

making their property available for free public use

(covers public parks & trails)

• Local Public Agency Law

Rules for ajudicatory hearings by local government

• Refunds of Taxes & Fees
• Refunds of Assessments
• Eminent Domain Code (partial)
• Emergency Powers of Political Subdivisions
• Prevailing Wage Act - From Pa Dept of Revenue
• Consolidation & Merger

Local Government  Manuals from  the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic  Development

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Redevelopment Laws

• Pennsylvania Urban Redevelopment Law
• Pennsylvania Tax Increment Financing Act
• Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act -LERTA
• Requirements of a Redevelopment Contract

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Second Class Townships
Township Code Online at the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors

• Township Powers with Respect to Public Sewers
• Second Class Township Road Laws
• Changes in Purchases and Sales of Property in Second Class Townships
• Adoption and Enforcement of Ordinances

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Relating To Municipal Authorities and other Local Governmental Agencies

Municipal Authority Law (Partial)
Collection of Sewer Charges Through Water Utilities

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Relating To Development and Building

Municipalities Planning Code Article V - Subdivisions

Pennsylvania Land Use Law Library

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From the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Pages

• Regulations

-CHAPTER 71. ADMINISTRATION OF SEWAGE FACILITIES PLANNING PROGRAM

• Final - Comprehensive Sewage Amendments -- Ch 72
• PERMITTING PROGRAM
• Other Documents at PADEP relating to onsite sewage and land development

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Robert's Rules of Order  1915 version (public domain)

Pennsylvania Constitution

Other sites with Pennsylvania Law

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mailto:wgbarbin@charter.net

This page will be added to as time allows, check back.

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Updated  March 2001