PENNSYLVANIA — A bipartisan bill to combat urban blight passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Friday, giving municipalities an additional tool for revitalization. The bill aims to prioritize safe and quality buildings, supported by a reliable tax base, in struggling communities across Pennsylvania.
Sponsored by Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, H.B. 859 would give a municipality the ability to deny permits to limited liability corporations that are delinquent on their taxes.
Currently, municipalities may deny permits to individuals who are delinquent, but not LLCs. Williams said some bad actors are using this loophole to force municipalities to approve permits despite their delinquent status.
The bill would also allow municipalities to deny permits to an LLC if one of the principals of the LLC has delinquencies in the municipality.
“Every struggling community in Pennsylvania wants to fight blight and see their neighborhoods revitalized,” Williams said. “That revitalization includes ensuring there are safe, quality buildings owned by a reliable tax base.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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