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.
Norristown, PA
Norristown Chapter 229 (Peace and Good Order) prohibits loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers others. Gatherings m...
Norristown, PA
Norristown Chapter 229 prohibits construction activity (hauling, excavation, demolition, equipment) between 7:30 PM–7:00 AM Mon–Fri, and 8:00 PM–9:00 AM Sat–...
Norristown, PA
Norristown Chapter 103 (Animals) governs barking dogs and is supplemental to PA Dog Law (3 P.S. §459). Animal Control Officer position established. Violation...
Norristown, PA
Aircraft noise is federally preempted. Norristown has no local aircraft noise ordinance. Located in Montgomery County, approximately 15 miles from Philadelph...
Norristown, PA
Vehicles used for recreational purposes may park on Norristown streets for no more than 48 hours. This applies to RVs and similar recreational vehicles class...
Norristown, PA
No person shall park any commercial vehicle upon any Norristown street, alley, or highway. Exceptions include active deliveries, utility work, emergency vehi...
See how Norristown's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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