Pennsylvania protects agricultural land through Agricultural Security Areas under Act 43 of 1981 and the Agricultural Area Security Law, working alongside municipal zoning to limit development pressure on working farms.
Pennsylvania's Agricultural Area Security Law (Act 43 of 1981, codified at 3 P.S. Section 901 et seq.) authorizes the creation of Agricultural Security Areas (ASAs) of 250 contiguous acres or more proposed by landowners and approved by the municipality. ASA designation triggers heightened protection from nuisance suits, eligibility for purchase of agricultural conservation easements through county and state programs, and limits on local ordinances that would unreasonably restrict farming. Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code requires townships to consider agriculture as a permitted land use in agricultural zoning districts, and the Act allows the Attorney General to challenge ordinances that conflict with these protections. ASA designation does not by itself preserve land in perpetuity, but it is the foundation for the state and county easement-purchase program.
Municipal ordinances inconsistent with the Agricultural Area Security Law may be challenged and invalidated by aggrieved landowners or the Attorney General.
McKeesport, PA
Persistent dog barking enforceable as public nuisance under McKeesport code and PA Dog Law 3 P.S. 459. Complaints handled by police and ACHD animal services.
McKeesport, PA
Industrial and commercial noise sources subject to Allegheny County Health Department Article XXI air quality and noise provisions plus McKeesport zoning per...
McKeesport, PA
Construction noise generally restricted to daytime hours (typically 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays) under McKeesport nuisance provisions. Emergency utility and public...
McKeesport, PA
Overnight parking is permitted on most McKeesport residential streets. Snow emergency routes and posted zones prohibit overnight parking when declared or sig...
McKeesport, PA
McKeesport has no citywide EV charging mandate. Residential Level 1 and Level 2 chargers require an electrical permit under the PA UCC. Public chargers exist...
McKeesport, PA
New driveways and curb cuts require a permit from McKeesport Public Works. Driveways must not drain onto public sidewalks and must use approved apron materials.
See how McKeesport's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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