11 Pa.C.S. Ch. 124

in effect

11 Pa.C.S. § 12402 Powers of cities.

(a) General rule.--A city is declared to be a body corporate and politic, shall have perpetual succession and may: (1) Sue and be sued. (2) Have and use a corporate seal and alter the seal. The seal shall have upon it the word "Pennsylvania," the name of the city and the year of its original incorporation. (3) Display the flag of the United States, the Commonwealth or any county, city, borough or other municipality in this Commonwealth on the public buildings of the city. (4) Appropriate money and accept gifts or grants of money, other property or services from public or private sources for the exercise of powers expressed or implied in this chapter or any other applicable law. (b) Exercise of powers.--The powers granted in this chapter shall be exercised in the manner provided in this chapter.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12402.1 City property and affairs.

(a) General rule.--In exercising its discretion to make decisions that further the public interest under terms it deems most beneficial to the city, council may, subject to any restrictions, limitations or exceptions stated in this chapter: (1) Purchase, hold, use and manage real and personal property. (2) Exchange personal property. (3) Lease, sell and convey real and personal property owned by the city. (4) Make contracts and do all other acts respecting city property and affairs as council may deem conducive to the public interest and necessary to the exercise of the city's corporate and administrative powers. (b) Sales of real estate.-- (1) No real estate owned by the city may be sold except upon approval of council by resolution, and no real estate owned by the city may be sold for a consideration in excess of $6,000, except to the highest bidder after due notice by advertisement for bids or advertisement of a public auction in one newspaper of general circulation in the city. (2) The advertisement shall be published once not less than 10 days prior to the date fixed for the opening of bids or public auction, and the date for opening bids or public auction shall be announced in the advertisement. (3) The award of contracts shall be made only by public announcement at a regular or special meeting of council or at the public auction. (4) All bids shall be accepted on the condition that payment of the purchase price in full shall be made within 60 days of the acceptance of bids. (5) Council may reject all bids which it deems to be less than the fair market value of the real property. (6) In the case of a public auction, council may establish a minimum bid based on the fair market value of the real property. (7) If no compliant bids are received after advertisement, the applicable procedures in the act of October 27, 1979 (P.L.241, No.78), entitled "An act authorizing political subdivisions, municipality authorities and transportation authorities to enter into contracts for the purchase of goods and the sale of real and personal property where no bids are received," shall be followed. (8) Real estate owned by a city may be sold at a consideration of $6,000 or less without advertisement or competitive bidding only after council estimates the value of the real estate upon receipt of an appraisal by a qualified real estate appraiser. Prior to selling real estate valued at $6,000 or less without advertisement or competitive bidding, council shall make a public announcement of the council's intention to sell the real estate at a regular or special meeting of council at least 30 days prior to the sale. (9) (i) This section shall not apply if council exercises its authority to exchange real property of the city for real property of equal or greater value, provided that the property being acquired by the city is to be used for municipal purposes. (ii) If council chooses to exercise its power of real property exchange pursuant to this section, it shall be by resolution adopted by council. (iii) Notice of the resolution, including a description of the properties to be exchanged, shall be published once in one newspaper of general circulation not more than 60 days nor fewer than seven days prior to adoption. (c) Sale of personal property.-- (1) No personal property of the city shall be disposed of, by sale or otherwise, except upon approval of council by resolution. (2) Council shall estimate the sale value of the entire lot to be disposed of. (3) If council estimates the sale value to be less than $2,000, council may sell the property, in whole or in part, for the best price or prices obtainable. (4) If council estimates the sale value to be $2,000 or more, the entire lot shall be advertised for sale in at least one newspaper of general circulation in accordance with the provisions of section 10109 (relating to publication of notices), and sale of the property advertised shall be made to the best responsible bidder. (5) The bids shall not be opened until at least 10 days after the newspaper advertisement is published. (6) The provisions of this subsection shall not be mandatory where personal property of the city is to be traded in or exchanged for other personal property. (7) Council may sell any personal property of the city at auction pursuant to subsection (d) but shall observe the same notice requirements as contained in this subsection. (d) Online or electronic auction of personal property.--In regards to the sale of personal property of the city, an auction may be conducted by means of an online or electronic auction sale subject to the following: (1) Bids shall be accepted electronically at the time and in the manner designated in the advertisement pursuant to the notice requirements in subsection (c). (2) Each bidder shall have the capability to view the bidder's bid rank or the high bid price. (3) Bidders may increase their bid prices during the electronic auction. (4) The record of the electronic auction shall be available for public inspection. (5) The purchase price shall be paid by the high bidder immediately or at a reasonable time after the conclusion of the electronic auction, as determined by council. (6) In the event that shipping costs are incurred, they shall be paid by the high bidder. (7) A city that has complied with the advertising requirements of subsection (c) may provide additional public notice of the sale by bid or auction in any manner deemed appropriate by council. (8) The newspaper advertisement for electronic auction sales authorized in this section shall include the Internet address or means of accessing the electronic auction and the date, time and duration of the electronic auction. (e) Nonapplicability.--Any requirement for advertising for bids and sale to the highest bidder imposed by this part or by a city pursuant to this section shall not apply where real or personal property of the city is sold to the following, provided that, when any real property is no longer used for the purpose of the conveyance, the real property shall revert to the city: (1) The Federal Government, the Commonwealth, a municipality, home rule municipality, institution district or school district. (2) A volunteer fire company, volunteer ambulance service or volunteer rescue squad located within the city or providing emergency services in the city. (3) A municipal authority, a housing authority created pursuant to the act of May 28, 1937 (P.L.955, No.265), known as the Housing Authorities Law, an urban redevelopment authority created pursuant to the act of May 24, 1945 (P.L.991, No.385), known as the Urban Redevelopment Law, a parking authority created under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 (relating to parking authorities) or under the former act of June 5, 1947 (P.L.458, No.208), known as the Parking Authority Law, or a port authority created pursuant to the act of December 6, 1972 (P.L.1392, No.298), known as the Third Class City Port Authority Act. (4) A nonprofit corporation engaged in community industrial development. (5) A nonprofit corporation organized as a public library. (6) A nonprofit medical service corporation. (7) A nonprofit housing corporation. (8) A nonprofit museum or historical organization. (f) Nominal consideration acceptable.--When real or personal property is sold pursuant to subsection (e)(5), (6) or (7), the city may accept nominal consideration as it shall deem appropriate. (Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.919, No.150, eff. 60 days; Feb. 5, 2020, P.L.6, No.4, eff. 60 days) 2020 Amendment. Act 4 amended subsec. (b)(1) and (8). 2018 Amendment. Act 150 amended subsec. (c). Cross References. Section 12402.1 is referred to in sections 11901, 12546 of this title.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12403 Payment of debts and expenses.

Council may provide for the payment of the debts and expenses of the city and appropriate money for the payment.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12404 Creation of reserve funds.

(a) Capital reserve fund.-- (1) Council may create and maintain a separate capital reserve fund for any anticipated capital expenses, which shall be designated for a specific purpose or purposes when created. The money in the fund shall be used for no other purpose unless council declares that conditions in the city make other expenses more urgent than those for which the fund was created. (2) Council may appropriate money from the general city fund to be paid into the capital reserve fund or place in the fund any money received from the sale, lease or other disposition of any property of the city or from any other source. (b) Operating reserve fund.--With regard to an operating reserve fund, the following shall apply: (1) Council shall have the power to create and maintain a separate operating reserve fund in order to: (i) minimize future revenue shortfalls and deficits; (ii) provide greater continuity and predictability in the funding of vital government services; (iii) minimize the need to increase taxes to balance the budget in times of fiscal distress; and (iv) provide the capacity to undertake long-range financial planning and to develop fiscal resources to meet long-term needs. (2) Council may annually make appropriations from the general city fund to the operating reserve fund, but no appropriation shall be made to the operating reserve fund if the effect of the appropriation would cause the fund to exceed 25% of the estimated revenues of the city's general fund in the current fiscal year. (3) Council may, at any time by resolution, make appropriations from the operating reserve fund for the following purposes only: (i) to address emergencies involving the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the city; (ii) to counterbalance potential budget deficits resulting from shortfalls in anticipated revenues or program receipts from any source; (iii) to counterbalance potential budget deficits resulting from increases in anticipated costs for goods or services; or (iv) to provide for anticipated operating expenditures related either to the planned growth of existing projects or programs or to the establishment of new projects or programs if, for each project or program, appropriations have been made and allocated to a separate restricted account established within the operating reserve fund. (c) Investment and administration.--The operating reserve fund shall be invested, reinvested and administered in a manner consistent with the provisions of this part relating to the investment of city funds generally.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12405 Hiring of employees and salaries.

Council may provide for and regulate the manner of hiring and discharging employees and the fixing of their salaries or compensation, consistent with applicable Federal and State law.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12406 Creation of necessary offices or boards.

In addition to the city departments established in accordance with Chapter 111 (relating to the executive department), council may create any city office, public board, bureau or commission, which it may deem necessary for the good of government and interests of the city, and, with regard to an office or membership on a board, bureau or commission, unless otherwise provided by this part, council may make appointments and regulate and prescribe the terms, duties and compensation.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12407 Lockups.

(a) General rule.--Council may provide for lockup facilities as deemed necessary for the detention and confinement of individuals. (b) Restriction.--No city shall erect or construct a city jail or lockup or use any existing building or lockup for the first time that will be or is located within 500 feet of a public school building.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12408 Marketplaces.

Council may: (1) Purchase, lease and own ground for marketplaces. (2) Erect, maintain and establish marketplaces. (3) Provide for and enforce suitable general market regulations. (4) Contract with any person for the erection and regulation of marketplaces on terms and conditions and in the manner as council may prescribe. (5) Levy and collect a license fee from every person who may be authorized by council to occupy any portion of the streets, sidewalks or city property for temporary market purposes.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12409 Accumulation of ashes, garbage, solid waste and refuse materials.

(a) General rule.--Council in the manner authorized by the act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known as the Solid Waste Management Act, and the act of July 28, 1988 (P.L.556, No.101), known as the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, may prohibit accumulations of ashes, garbage, solid waste and other refuse materials upon private property, including the imposition and collection of reasonable fees and charges for the collection, removal and disposal. (b) Collection and removal.-- (1) Council may collect and remove, by contract or otherwise, ashes, garbage, solid waste and other refuse materials and recyclables and prescribe penalties for the enforcement. (2) A contract with refuse haulers may be made for an initial period not to exceed five years with optional renewal periods of up to five years. (3) The limitation in paragraph (2) does not apply to a contract with a county or municipal corporation. (c) Disposal.-- (1) Council may dispose of, by contract or otherwise, ashes, garbage, solid waste or other refuse materials. (2) A contract with the owner of a private facility for the disposal or incineration of ashes, garbage, solid waste or other refuse materials may be made for a period not to exceed 20 years. (3) The limitation in paragraph (2) does not apply to a contract with a county or municipal corporation. (d) Acquisition of real property and facilities.-- (1) Council may acquire any real property and erect, maintain, improve, operate and lease, either as lessor or lessee, facilities for incineration, landfill or other methods of disposal, either inside or outside the limits of the city, including equipment, either separately or jointly, with a county or municipal corporation in order to provide for the collection, removal, disposal and destruction of ashes, garbage, solid waste or other refuse materials, for the collection and storage of recyclable materials or for the composting of leaf and yard waste. (2) Council may provide for the payment of the cost out of the funds of the city. (3) Council may acquire land for landfill purposes, either amicably or by exercising the power of eminent domain, and may maintain lands and places for the dumping of ashes, garbage, solid waste or other refuse materials. (4) If council acquires land outside the limits of the city by exercising the power of eminent domain, the taking shall be subject to the limitations in 26 Pa.C.S. § 206 (relating to extraterritorial takings). (e) Rates and charges.-- (1) Council may establish, alter, charge and collect rates and other charges for: (i) the collection, removal and disposal of ashes, garbage, solid waste, other refuse materials and recyclable materials; and (ii) the cost of including the payment of any indebtedness incurred for the construction, purchase, improvement, repair, maintenance and operation of any facilities for collection, removal and disposal; and (iii) the amount due under a contract with a county or municipal corporation furnishing the services or facilities. (2) The rates and other charges shall be collected pursuant to the Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law or by a civil action. (f) Appropriations.--Council may make appropriations to a county or municipal corporation for the construction, purchase, improvement, repair, maintenance and operation of a facility for the collection, removal, disposal or marketing of ashes, garbage, solid waste, other refuse materials, recyclable materials or composted leaf and yard waste. (g) Exclusion from other laws.--A city shall not be subject to requirements otherwise imposed by law for the sale of personal property owned by the city when selling recyclable materials or materials separated, collected, recovered or created by recycling, as provided in the act of April 9, 1992 (P.L.70, No.21), entitled "An act excluding the sale of recyclable material from political subdivision personal property sale restrictions relating to advertising and bidding."

11 Pa.C.S. § 12410 Regulation of pets and feral animals.

Council may, by ordinance, prohibit and regulate the running at large of dogs, cats, other pets and feral animals.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12411 Inspection and regulation of fireplaces and chimneys and smoke regulations.

In conformity with Federal and State laws and regulations, council may regulate and inspect fireplaces, chimneys and other sources of smoke and fly ash to control the production and emission of unnecessary smoke and fly ash.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12412 Fireworks and inflammable articles.

In conformity with Federal and State laws and regulations, council may: (1) Regulate and prohibit the manufacture of fireworks or inflammable or dangerous articles. (2) Grant permits for supervised public displays of fireworks and adopt rules and regulations governing the displays. (3) Adopt rules and regulations not inconsistent with State regulations relating to the storage of inflammable articles. (4) Impose other safeguards concerning inflammable articles as may be necessary.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12413 Regulation of division fences, party walls and foundations.

(a) Authority.-- (1) Subject to the provisions of and regulations adopted pursuant to the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and other applicable law, council may provide regulations for party walls and division fences, the foundations of buildings and entering upon the land or lands, lot or lots, of any person within the city at all reasonable hours by its duly appointed city engineer or building inspectors in order to enforce the regulations and set out foundations. (2) Council may prescribe reasonable fees for the service of city officers in the inspection and regulation of party walls, division fences and foundations and may enforce the payment of the fees. (3) Council may provide fines or penalties for violations of an ordinance enacted pursuant to this section. (b) Specifications.-- (1) In setting out foundations and regulating party walls as to breadth and thickness, the city shall require the foundations to be laid equally upon the lands of the persons between whom the party wall is to be made. (2) The cost of the foundation and party wall shall be divided proportionately among the property owners sharing the wall. The property owners shall either share the expense when the foundation is laid and the party wall is erected or when the subsequent building is erected if all buildings are not erected at the same time.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12414 Nuisances.

Council may prohibit and abate public nuisances in accordance with Subchapter B of Chapter 123 (relating to public nuisances detrimental to public health).

11 Pa.C.S. § 12415 Regulation of encroachments.

In compliance with applicable State laws and city ordinances, council may provide for the regulation of all encroachments in, under or upon sidewalks or other portions of streets in the city.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12416 Shade trees.

(a) Power to regulate.-- (1) Council may, by ordinance, regulate the manner and method, if any, for the planting, trimming, removing, maintaining and protection of shade trees in, on and along or extending over the public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way of the city and provide for penalties for violations. (2) The cost of the activities under paragraph (1) may, at council's discretion, be assessed against the owners of the properties abutting the street, sidewalk or right-of-way upon which any tree is located pursuant to Chapter 145A (relating to assessments for public improvements), except that the cost and expense of caring for trees after they have been planted shall be paid by the city. (b) Shade tree commission.-- (1) Council may, by ordinance, provide for the creation of a shade tree commission and its composition, powers and duties and delegate council's authority for regulating shade trees to the commission. (2) In lieu of an ordinance under paragraph (1), council may delegate its regulatory powers for shade trees to an existing department. (3) If a shade tree commission is established, its meeting shall be subject to the provisions of 65 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7 (relating to open meetings).

11 Pa.C.S. § 12417 Numbering of buildings.

Council may require and regulate the numbering of buildings and lots.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12418 Transportation stands.

Council may establish stands for taxis, buses, automobiles and other vehicles for hire and enforce the observance and use of the stands.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12419 Police force.

(a) General rule.--Council may establish and maintain a police force and define the duties of the force in accordance with Chapter 120 (relating to police force). (b) Method of providing police services.--Subject to the requirements of 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation), council may provide for police services as follows: (1) by municipal police officers under a contract; (2) through the purchase of the police services; or (3) by joining or developing a consolidated regional police service.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12420 Police regulations.

Council may establish and enforce suitable police regulations for the protection of individuals and property.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12421 Rewards.

Council may offer rewards for the arrest and conviction of individuals guilty of capital or other crimes within the city.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12422 Prevent riots.

Council may prevent and restrain riots, noises, disturbances or disorderly assemblies in any street, house or place in the city.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12423 Regulate discharge of guns and deadly weapons.

To the extent permitted by Federal and other State law, council may regulate, prohibit and prevent the discharge of guns and prevent the carrying of concealed deadly weapons.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12424 Racing and dangerous practices.

With regard to streets and public places in the city, council may regulate or prohibit racing or fast driving of vehicles and all games, practices or amusements likely to result in danger or damage to any individual or property.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12425 Bathing, recreational swimming establishments and boathouses and bathhouses.

To the extent permitted by the act of June 23, 1931 (P.L.899, No.299), known as the Public Bathing Law, council may regulate the time and place of bathing in rivers and other public water in and adjoining the city and may construct, maintain and manage municipal boathouses, bathhouses and recreational swimming establishments.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12426 Musical entertainment.

Council may appropriate money to defray the expenses of musical entertainment held under the auspices of the city and for the purpose of having music in any public park or place.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12427 Aid to historical societies.

Council may make annual appropriations for the support and maintenance of the principal historical society located in the city, which shall be incorporated under the laws of this Commonwealth, and shall maintain permanent quarters for the society and keep them open to the public.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12428 Establishment of institutions to collect educational collections.

(a) General rule.--Council may establish institutions authorized to collect and hold certain scientific, educational and economic collections, the object of each being the instruction of the public concerning commerce, manufacturing, mining and agriculture. (b) Powers.--The institutions may purchase or accept, by gift, any real estate, money or personal property necessary for use and promotion. The institutions may use, convey or transfer the property as if they were bodies corporate and shall be governed by boards of trustees, nominated, appointed and confirmed in the manner council may determine.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12429 Ambulances and rescue and lifesaving services.

Council may: (1) Acquire, operate and maintain motor vehicles for the purposes of transporting sick and injured individuals to and from hospitals. (2) Appropriate money toward ambulances and rescue and lifesaving services. (3) Make contracts relating to rescue and lifesaving services.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12430 Insurance.

(a) Contracts authorized.--Council, in its discretion or as required by law or a collective bargaining agreement, may make contracts of insurance and contracts for annuities or pensions, including the following: (1) Contracts of insurance with any mutual or other fire insurance company, association or exchange, duly authorized by law to transact insurance business in this Commonwealth, on any building or property owned by the city and contracts to insure against burglary or theft of city property, fire, other disaster and public liability. (2) Contracts of insurance with any insurance company, nonprofit hospitalization corporation or nonprofit medical service corporation authorized to transact insurance business within this Commonwealth, insuring elected or appointed officers, officials and employees of the city, or their dependents, under a policy or policies of group insurance covering life, health, hospitalization, medical service or accident insurance. (3) Contracts to purchase annuities or pensions for elected or appointed officers, officials and employees. (b) Payment of premium and charges.--In the case of a contract for the benefit of elected or appointed officers, officials and employees of the city, or their dependents, the city may, as determined by council or as required by law or a collective bargaining agreement, pay part or all of the premiums or charges for the contract.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12431 Parking lots.

Council may acquire, by lease, purchase or condemnation proceedings, land that in its judgment may be necessary and desirable for the purpose of establishing and maintaining lots for the sole purpose of parking motor vehicles. Council may regulate the use of the land, including the posting of signs, and may establish or designate areas exclusively reserved for parking by individuals with disabilities. Regulation of parking lots shall be consistent with 75 Pa.C.S. (relating to vehicles) and the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12432 Disorderly conduct.

Council may, by ordinance, prohibit disorderly conduct within the limits of the city and provide for the imposition of penalties in accordance with this part. If an ordinance is enacted, it shall define disorderly conduct in a manner substantially similar to the provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. § 5503 (relating to disorderly conduct).

11 Pa.C.S. § 12433 Official expenses on city business.

Council may make appropriations for the reasonable expenses of city officials incurred in the conduct of city business.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12434 Municipal authorities and cooperation with other political subdivisions.

(a) Municipal authorities.--Council may, by ordinance, individually or in cooperation with other municipalities or school districts, form municipal authorities as authorized under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 56 (relating to municipal authorities). (b) Cooperative agreements.--Council may make cooperative agreements with regard to the performance of a city's powers, duties and functions in accordance with the provisions of 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation). (Nov. 7, 2019, P.L.616, No.82, eff. 60 days)

11 Pa.C.S. § 12435 Local self-government.

Council shall have the power to enact, make, adopt, modify, repeal and enforce, in accordance with this part, ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations not inconsistent with or restrained by the Constitution of Pennsylvania and laws of this Commonwealth that are either of the following: (1) Expedient or necessary for the proper management, care and control of the city and its finances and the maintenance of the peace, good government, safety and welfare of the city and its trade, commerce and manufactures. (2) Necessary to the exercise of the powers and authority of local self-government in municipal affairs.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12436 Historical property.

Council may acquire, by purchase or gift, repair, supervise, operate and maintain landmarks and other historical properties that are either eligible for listing or listed in the National Register of Historic Places or certified by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as having historical significance.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12437 Appropriations for handling, storage and distribution of surplus foods.

(a) Appropriations.--Council may appropriate from city funds money for the handling, storage and distribution of surplus foods obtained through a Federal, State or local agency. (b) Validity of previous appropriations.--All appropriations of money previously made by council for the handling, storage and distribution of surplus foods obtained through a Federal, State or local agency are validated.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12438 Junk dealers and junk yards.

Council may regulate and license junk dealers and the establishment and maintenance of junk yards and scrap yards, including automobile junk or grave yards.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12439 Appropriations for industrial development.

Council may make appropriations to an industrial development organization as defined in section 2301 of the act of June 29, 1996 (P.L.434, No.67), known as the Job Enhancement Act, when the city is located within the area for which the industrial development organization has been authorized to make application to and receive grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development for the purposes specified in Chapter 23 of the Job Enhancement Act.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12440 Nondebt revenue bonds.

Consistent with and without limitation of any power conferred or duty imposed by 53 Pa.C.S. Pt. VII Subpt. B (relating to indebtedness and borrowing), council may issue nondebt revenue bonds pursuant to the provisions of 53 Pa.C.S. Pt. VII Subpt. B.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12441 Appropriations for urban common carrier mass transportation.

Council may make appropriations for urban common carrier mass transportation from current revenues and make annual contributions to county departments of transportation or to urban common carrier mass transportation authorities to assist the departments or the authorities to meet costs of operation, maintenance, capital improvements and debt service and to enter into long-term agreements providing for the payment of the contributions.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12442 Appropriation for nonprofit art corporation.

(a) Appropriation.--Council may appropriate money annually, of not more than an amount equal to one mill of the real estate tax, to any nonprofit art corporation for the conduct of its artistic and cultural activities. (b) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection: "Artistic and cultural activities." The term shall include the display or production of theater, music, dance, painting, architecture, sculpture, arts and crafts, photography, film, graphic arts and design and creative writing. "Nonprofit art corporation." A local arts council, commission or coordinating agency or any other nonprofit corporation engaged in the production or display of works of art, including the visual, written or performing arts.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12443 Ratification and validation of real estate sales.

(a) Ratification and validation.--A deed conveying title to real estate or interests in real estate from a city to any other party is valid and conveys the property and interests described in the deed in accordance with the terms of the deed if: (1) the deed is executed and delivered pursuant to an ordinance or resolution of council; and (2) the deed is not contested by an action filed in the court of common pleas of the county in which the city is located within six years of the date the deed is recorded. (b) Incontestability.--A deed shall not, after the time period specified in subsection (a), be subject to attack in any court, agency or proceeding.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12444 Validation and maintenance of certain records.

(a) Validation of records.--Except as otherwise provided by law, city records that are required to be recorded or copied shall be deemed valid if recorded or transcribed by any digital, photostatic, photographic, microphotographic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic, optical, electronic or other process that accurately reproduces the original and forms a durable medium for recording, storing and reproducing the original in accordance with standards, policies and procedures for the creation, maintenance, transmission or reproduction of images of records approved by the county or local government records committees, as applicable, and as otherwise provided by law. Where recording in a specific book is required, except for minutes or the proceedings of council, the records may be recorded, transcribed or otherwise assembled in an appropriate book, disk or other medium approved by resolution of council, and all records recorded and assembled in any manner are validated. (b) Maintenance of records.--A city shall not be required to retain original or paper copies of documents after the documents are archived by any of the methods provided for in subsection (a) or as otherwise provided by law.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12445 Rights within streets and rights-of-way.

(a) Rights within streets.--Council may consent to a person using city streets and other properties, whether the use is within, on or over the streets or public property in question, for transportation purposes or for the purpose of installing and maintaining pipes, wires, fibers, cables or any other utility or service medium. Council may define a reasonable district within which all electric or telephone wires, cables or any other utility or service medium are to be placed underground. (b) Compliance with other law.--The power granted to a city in subsection (a) shall be exercised in compliance with Federal and State law and shall be subject to the power of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission under 66 Pa.C.S. Pt. I (relating to public utility code) to regulate the business, facilities and service of public utilities, including determining the location and installation of utility facilities. (c) Rights-of-way.--A city shall pay just compensation to any property owner whose land has been acquired by the city for use as a right-of-way for purposes of this section. Just compensation shall be determined pursuant to 26 Pa.C.S. (relating to eminent domain).

11 Pa.C.S. § 12446 Emergency services.

(a) Provision of emergency services.--A city shall be responsible for ensuring that fire and emergency medical services are provided within the city by the means and to the extent determined by the city, including the appropriate financial and administrative assistance for these services. (b) Consultation with providers.--The city shall consult with fire and emergency medical services providers to discuss the emergency service needs of the city. (c) Expenditure report.--The city shall require any emergency services providers receiving city money to provide an annual itemized listing of all expenditures of city money before the city may consider budgeting additional funding to the provider.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12447 Charitable purposes.

(a) Creation of city bureau or agency.--Council may, by ordinance, create a city bureau or agency to receive, in trust, all property bestowed upon the bureau or agency for charitable purposes. Council may control the property for the purposes of the trust. (b) Appropriations.--Council may make appropriations to the agency or bureau for charitable purposes, except as limited by the Constitution of Pennsylvania and laws of this Commonwealth. (c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "charitable purposes" shall mean the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the promotion of health, governmental or municipal purposes and other purposes which benefit the community.

11 Pa.C.S. § 12448 Observances, celebrations and recognition.

(a) Appropriation.--Council may appropriate funds for any of the following: (1) The observance of a holiday, centennial or other anniversary, for a city celebration or for a civic project or program. (2) Flowers, a plaque or other token of tangible personal property other than cash, gift certificates or equivalent items, in an amount not to exceed $100, recognizing the service or passing of a city official, employee or volunteer. (b) Value.--The value of tangible personal property received by a public official, employee or volunteer as provided under subsection (a)(2) shall be considered of de minimis economic impact, as defined in 65 Pa.C.S. § 1102 (relating to definitions), and shall not be subject to reporting under 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105 (relating to statement of financial interests). Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 3(3)(v) of Act 67 of 2015 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=11Fetched: 10/16/2026