Pennsylvania Land Use & Zoning
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Explanation

A nonconforming use is one that was legally established under prior zoning regulations but no longer conforms after a zoning change. These uses are typically allowed to continue (grandfathered) but cannot be expanded and must be discontinued if abandoned.

Explanation

A variance is an exception to the strict application of zoning regulations, granted when a property owner demonstrates unique hardship due to the specific characteristics of their property that are not self-created. There are area variances (dimensional) and use variances.

Explanation

Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), enacted in 1968, provides the framework for municipal zoning, subdivision, and land use planning. Municipalities derive their zoning authority from the MPC.

Explanation

A conditional use or special use permit allows a specific use that the zoning ordinance already recognizes as appropriate in the district, subject to additional conditions. A variance, by contrast, allows deviation from the regulations due to hardship.

Explanation

Eminent domain (also called condemnation) is the government's power to take private property for public use. The Fifth Amendment requires that just compensation (fair market value) be paid to the property owner. The process is called condemnation.

Explanation

Restrictive covenants are private land use controls created in deeds or subdivision declarations. They run with the land and are enforceable by neighboring property owners. Zoning ordinances are public regulations enforced by government; covenants are private agreements.

Explanation

Spot zoning is the arbitrary rezoning of a small parcel inconsistently with the surrounding area, typically to benefit a single property owner. Courts often invalidate spot zoning because it is not consistent with the municipality's comprehensive plan.

Explanation

A buffer zone (or transition zone) is a land use designation or area placed between incompatible uses to reduce their impact on each other. For example, a strip of commercial or landscaped zoning may separate a residential neighborhood from an industrial area.

Explanation

Pennsylvania's Agricultural Security Area law allows farmers to create ASAs that provide protection from local ordinances that would restrict normal farming practices, and makes farmland in ASAs eligible for the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE) program.

Explanation

Setback requirements specify the minimum distance a structure must be from the front, rear, and side property lines. They ensure adequate space between buildings, promote safety, and preserve neighborhood character.