Posts Tagged ‘municipal law’

Most municipalities include within their Zoning Ordinances a procedure permitting landowners within their prospective municipalities to request a rezoning for a parcel within the municipality. The rezoning request is a request to amend the municipalities zoning map. A municipality upon such request should review its Ordinance provisions to ensure that proper procedure is being followed, all information required in the application is provided, and that any necessary fee is paid. Generally, a rezoning request is a good opportunity for the municipality to seek advice and counsel from its own Planning Commission as well as from the York County Planning Commission…. read more »

CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce the election of Stephen R. McDonald, Esq. to shareholder. Stephen has been practicing law for over 25 years and has acquired extensive experience in multiple areas. He is a seasoned attorney in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Well versed in municipal law, Stephen serves as the solicitor for multiple municipalities in South Central Pennsylvania, and the York County Clerk of Court’s Office. He often represents clients in front of zoning hearing boards and other municipal and local government entities.  Prior to joining CGA, Stephen worked at the Office of the District Attorney for… read more »

As we get near the end of 2022, it is time for local municipalities in Pennsylvania to begin thinking about everything that needs to be accomplished before the calendar flips to 2023. Four of the major items that every municipality needs to accomplish before the end of the year are the passage of a budget, adoption of a tax resolution or ordinance, making necessary appointments or re-appointments to boards and commissions, and advertisement of meetings for the following year. Once a tentative budget has been ironed out, the board or council must approve advertisement of that tentative budget. This action… read more »

The Volunteer Service Credit Act (the “Act”), which is found in 35 Pa. C.S.A. Health and Safety, was amended in 2020 by Act 91 to allow active volunteer firefighters to take an even greater tax credit. As many municipalities are experiencing first hand, volunteer fire and emergency service companies are declining in numbers of volunteers across the Commonwealth. The Act (Act 172 of 2016) was adopted to assist with recruiting and maintaining active volunteers by offering financial incentives. This credit allows for volunteer firefighters to obtain a credit against municipal real estate tax obligations for amounts they have paid that… read more »

Whether you’re preparing an RFP for a professional service or specs for a contract that will be open to public bid, municipal leaders are required to act as good stewards of public resources. This session will review best practices in preparing and reviewing municipal contracts to ensure services are being delivered as desired and to avoid costly litigation.

York County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program is currently receiving applications for their 2022-2023 preservation program. Applications for farms can be submitted through February 15, 2022, for the ranking process. The highest-scoring farms will be offered for preservation. Qualifying farms should be a minimum of fifty acres in size or adjacent to another preserved property, and must meet program requirements regarding soil quality, production and other criteria. Landowners should submit their completed application (available at yorkcountypa.gov), and can consult with the Program staff office at 2401 Pleasant Valley Road, or at (717)-840-7400 for details and requirements. The York County Agricultural Land… read more »

Whether it’s a case of an incessantly barking dog or an over-enthusiastic DIY warrior running power tools at midnight, most municipalities could use a carefully constructed noise ordinance from time to time. A well-written ordinance is clear, targeted, and most importantly, enforceable. An effective noise ordinance should be clear and understandable to the average person. A municipality is well within its authority to adopt a noise ordinance. Under Pennsylvania law, municipalities have the authority  “[t]o make regulations as may be necessary for the health, safety, morals, general welfare and cleanliness and beauty, convenience, comfort and safety of the borough.” (8… read more »

On September 1, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf signed a second renewal of the 90-day disaster declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency was originally declared on March 6, and this action is the second 90-day extension. The declaration extends protections for individuals and businesses during the ongoing pandemic. Protections include additional unemployment compensation, restrictions on eviction, an extension of licensing, and benefits for care workers and others who provide life-sustaining services to children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable residents.Act 15 Provisions Extended. Also extended are the provisions of Act 15 of 2020, under which municipalities can continue to take steps to assure safety… read more »

The York County Planning Commission (YCPC) has announced the launch of the County’s Open Space and Land Preservation Grant Program. The program is funded with County tax dollars and is designed to support open space preservation, resource protection, and outdoor recreation, with the objective of assisting the County to achieve its goal of preserving worthy York County land. Funds for Local Preservation  The program is open to York County municipalities and non-profit organizations which support open space preservation and natural resource protection. Funds can be used for acquisition of property; but funding does NOT support the purchase or construction of improvements on properties.  The… read more »