Act 87 of 2024 ended Pennsylvania's multi-year moratorium preempting local plastic bag and single-use plastic ordinances, restoring municipal authority to regulate or ban single-use carryout bags.
From 2020 through mid-2024 Pennsylvania imposed a statutory moratorium that preempted municipalities from enacting bans, fees, or restrictions on single-use plastic carryout bags and similar items. Act 87 of 2024 allowed that preemption to expire and clarified that local governments may again regulate single-use plastics. As a result, Philadelphia's longstanding plastic bag ban (which had been operating despite the moratorium under city home-rule authority) and ordinances in Pittsburgh, West Chester, and Narberth are now on firmer legal footing, and other municipalities are free to adopt bag fees, bans, or reusable-bag requirements. The state has not adopted a statewide ban or fee.
Retailers in covered municipalities can be cited by local code enforcement for distributing prohibited bags; statewide there is no penalty.
Allentown, PA
Allentown prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towe...
Allentown, PA
Allentown regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new co...
Allentown, PA
Allentown regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Allentown, PA
Allentown requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Allentown, PA
Allentown requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Allentown, PA
Allentown restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisa...
See how Allentown's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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