Land Use & Zoning
What is an 'environmental impact statement' (EIS) and when is it required in Pennsylvania?
AAn annual environmental report required from all commercial property owners
BA detailed analysis of the environmental consequences of a major federal action (required under NEPA) or large development project, required when federal permits or funding are involved✓ Correct
CA PADEP certification required before any land disturbance activity
DA study required by municipalities before approving commercial rezoning applications
Explanation
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for major federal actions significantly affecting the environment — including federal permits (Army Corps of Engineers, EPA), federal funding, or federal land use decisions. In Pennsylvania, major highway projects (PennDOT), Army Corps wetland permits, and federally funded development projects require NEPA review.
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Key Terms to Know
Zoning
Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)A mortgage with an interest rate that changes periodically based on a financial index, usually after an initial fixed-rate period.
VarianceOfficial permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.
Eminent DomainThe power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.
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