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.
Pottstown, PA
Pottstown's Noise Control Ordinance exempts emergency work and Borough/school/athletic activities. Construction noise must not create a nuisance or annoy a r...
Pottstown, PA
Pottstown's animal ordinance (Chapter 6, Animals) prohibits animals from disturbing residents through frequent or habitual barking, howling, screeching, yelp...
Pottstown, PA
Pottstown Borough Noise Control Ordinance (Chapter 6, Part 8) prohibits any noise that endangers health or safety, annoys a reasonable person, or creates a n...
Pottstown, PA
Aircraft noise is preempted by FAA regulation (49 USC §40103); Pottstown Borough cannot regulate overflight noise from Pottstown Limerick Airport (PTW) or Ph...
Pottstown, PA
Pottstown Chapter 27 (Zoning) prohibits street or alley use for automobile repair or non-traffic purposes unless authorized. PA Vehicle Code governs general ...
Pottstown, PA
No Pottstown-specific RV parking ordinance identified beyond PA Motor Vehicle Code and Chapter 27 (Zoning) general standards. Check Chapter 27 or contact Pot...
See how Pottstown's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.