Pennsylvania Bill Requires Voter Referendum to Approve Large Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Original title: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in subdivision and land development, providing for local option for high impact warehouses and distribution centers.

Last action · February 25, 2025: Referred to LOCAL GOVERNMENT, Feb. 25, 2025Sponsors: Joe Emrick and 4 others

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What This Bill Would Do

House Bill 750 amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to require that any local government or planning agency approval of a high-impact warehouse or distribution center be submitted to voters via a local ballot referendum before it can become final. A high-impact warehouse or distribution center is defined as a proposed development using at least three acres and spanning 100,000 square feet or greater.

Why it matters

Local residents gain direct veto power over large industrial warehouse developments through a mandatory ballot question, shifting final land-use approval authority from municipal governing bodies to the local electorate.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Municipal electors

Voters receive the authority to approve or deny high-impact warehouse and distribution center applications through a local ballot referendum.

Directly affected

Warehouse and distribution center developers

Projects meeting the high-impact threshold must secure majority voter approval at an election in addition to municipal or planning agency approval.

Directly affected

Municipal governing bodies and planning agencies

Their decisions approving high-impact warehouse or distribution center applications are subject to voter review and can be overturned by a public referendum.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a high-impact warehouse or distribution center under this bill?

A high-impact warehouse or distribution center is defined as a proposed development of regional significance and impact that uses at least three acres and is 100,000 square feet or greater.

Who has the final say on approving a high-impact warehouse under House Bill 750?

While municipal governing bodies or planning agencies still review applications, final approval requires a majority 'yes' vote from the municipality's electorate in a local ballot referendum.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Feb 25, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to LOCAL GOVERNMENT, Feb. 25, 2025

Version history

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