PROPOSED CHANGES TO STATE LAWS COULD ALLOW COMMERCIAL SPACES TO BE CONVERTED INTO HOUSING

Proposed changes to state laws could allow empty office and retail spaces zoned for commercial use to be converted into housing. A group of bills introduced by House Democrats includes revisions to the Municipal Planning Code that would affect more than 600 cities, boroughs and townships that have a minimum population of five-thousand residents. Supporters say the intent is to improve the availability and affordability of housing in a market with limited stock and rising prices. The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors says many commercial listings are down because businesses don’t need as much office space due to remote working.