HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania developers will face new water-supply documentation requirements before securing final municipal approval for subdivision and land-development projects under legislation signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on October 8, establishing a statewide standard that could affect residential, commercial and industrial construction.
Senate Bill 1287, now Act 58 of 2026, amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to require municipalities to obtain evidence identifying an intended public or communal water supplier before granting final approval to applicable development plans.
The law takes effect December 7, 60 days after enactment, giving municipalities and developers a transition period before the requirement becomes operative.
For Chester County, the legislation introduces a statewide documentation standard relevant to municipalities reviewing housing subdivisions, commercial developments, industrial facilities and proposed data centers. Such projects can place substantial demands on local water infrastructure, making the availability of utility service a consideration in land-use approvals.
The measure addresses concerns that developments could receive municipal approval before arrangements for water service have been adequately documented, potentially leaving property owners or communities facing infrastructure constraints.
The legislation’s scope, however, is narrower than a requirement that developers conclusively demonstrate sufficient water capacity before final approval.
Acceptable evidence may include an application for a certificate from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. An application does not necessarily establish that the commission has approved the proposed service or that adequate water capacity is already available.
That distinction means the law establishes a documentation requirement at a specific stage of the development approval process without independently guaranteeing that the proposed water supplier can meet a project’s eventual demand.
The legislation amends Section 503.1 of the Municipalities Planning Code, which governs requirements associated with subdivision and land-development approvals.
State Sen. Dawn Keefer, a Republican representing the 31st Senatorial District, was the bill’s prime sponsor. Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. was a co-sponsor.
The measure received unanimous legislative support, passing the Senate 50-0 and the House 203-0. Lawmakers presented it to Shapiro on October 7, and he signed it the following day.
According to the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s fiscal note, Act 58 is expected to have no direct fiscal impact on Commonwealth funds.
The change adds a statewide requirement to a municipal approval process that plays a central role in determining whether proposed developments can proceed. For local governments, the practical effect will be an obligation to review the required water-supplier documentation before issuing final subdivision or land-development approvals.
The legislation’s official history is available at https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1287.
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