Community Planning

The Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) offers resources and technical assistance for community planning. Our team of planning specialists support local government officials, developers, and those who want to make their communities better. We offer tools and training to help communities make informed decisions about land use, promoting sustainable and long-lasting economic and community development.

Planning Assistance

The Office of Community Planning (OCP), part of the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, provides planning agencies, zoning officers, zoning hearing boards, and other local government officials with technical assistance on a variety of community planning, land use, and development matters. This includes:

• Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC)
• Land Use and Development Issues
• Zoning Ordinances
• Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances (SALDO)

Through the Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP), communities can access hands-on support to plan, prepare, and implement strategies that support long-term growth and development.

Our team provides insights about funding opportunities, as well as regional and statewide initiatives. Local Government Planning Specialists are available for in-person consultations in your community upon request.

To ensure meaningful support, our planning specialists work with communities through a formal agreement that outlines a scope of services. Up to 400 hours of technical assistance may be available per community, with an emphasis on achieving measurable results.

Navigate to the map below and select a region for planning staff and contact information. You can also request planning and technical assistance through this submission form.

Resources

• Municipalities Planning Code
• Planning Publications
• Transportation Planning (PennDOT)
• Conservation Planning (DCNR)
• PA Blight & Land Bank Library
• Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Education Institute (PMPEI)
• American Planning Association Pennsylvania Chapter

Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) Funding

DCED provides funding to local governments for community planning through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP). Funding supports various shared service activities and local and regional planning and implementation efforts. Access the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) guidelines for more information.

State Land Use and Growth Management Reports

The Governor’s Center for Local Government Services is required to prepare a State Land Use and Growth Management Report every five years. These reports include information, data, and conclusions regarding growth and development patterns in Pennsylvania, as well as recommendations for coordination of executive action and programs among Commonwealth agencies. Visit the State Land Use and Growth Management Report Library for past reports.

Pennsylvania State Planning Board

The State Planning Board is an advisory board within the Governor’s Office. It was established by the Administrative Code of 1929 as re-enacted and amended. There are 25 members, including citizens, legislators, and state department heads.

Planning Team Assistance Contacts

Navigate to a region below to see specific contact information. For any additional questions, call the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services at 888.223.6837 or email us at dcedplanning@pa.gov.