Section 5002 - DefinitionsFor the purpose of this act the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Open space benefits. The benefits to the citizens of the Commonwealth and its local government units which result from the preservation or restriction of the use of selected predominantly undeveloped open spaces or areas, including but not limited to: (i) the protection and conservation of water resources and watersheds, by appropriate means, including but not limited to preserving the natural cover, preventing floods and soil erosion, protecting water quality and replenishing surface and ground water supplies; (ii) the protection and conservation of forests and land being used to produce timber crops; (iii) the protection and conservation of farmland; (iv) the protection of existing or planned park, recreation or conservation sites; (v) the protection and conservation of natural or scenic resources, including but not limited to soils, beaches, streams, flood plains, steep slopes or marshes; (vi) the protection of scenic areas for public visual enjoyment from public rights of way; (vii) the preservation of sites of historic, geologic or botanic interest; (viii) the promotion of sound, cohesive, and efficient land development by preserving open spaces between communities.(2) Interest in real property. Any right in real property, improvements thereto or water, whatsoever, including but not limited to a fee simple, easement, remainder, future interest, transferable development right (TDR), lease, license, restriction or covenant of any sort, option or contractual interest or right concerning the use of or power to transfer property.(3) Open space property interests. Any interest in real property acquired hereunder for the purpose of achieving open space benefits.(4) Open space uses. Land uses which are not inconsistent with the achievement of open space benefits.(5) Local government unit. (ii) a county authority having among the purposes for which it was created the achievement of one or more of the open space benefits set forth in this section;(iii) a municipal corporation or any similar general purpose unit of local government; or(iv) any unit created by joint action of two or more local government units which is now or shall hereafter be authorized to be created by the General Assembly, including cooperation by two or more local government units in accordance with the former act of July 12, 1972 (P.L. 762, No. 180), referred to as the Intergovernmental Cooperation Law, or 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation).(5.1) Municipal corporation. A city, borough, incorporated town or township.(6) Planning commission. A local board, commission or agency which has been designated by the governing body of a local government unit to establish and foster a comprehensive plan for land management and development with the local government unit.(7) Transferable development right or TDR. The attaching of development rights to specified lands which are desired by a local government unit to be kept undeveloped, but permitting those rights to be transferred from those lands so that the development potential which they represent may occur on other lands where more intensive development is deemed to be appropriate.1968, Jan. 19, P.L. (1967) 992, § 2. Amended 1996, Dec. 18, P.L. 994, No. 153, § 1, imd. effective; 2006, Feb. 2, P.L. 15, No. 4, §1, effective in 60 days [ 4/3/2006].