Home | Calendar | Community Links | Contact Us | Search

Living in USC | Government in USC | Regulations in USC | Services in USC | Business in USC

GOVERNMENT IN UPPER ST. CLAIR

HOME RULE CHARTER

Upper St. Clair Home Rule Charter (PDF)

Upper St. Clair was a second-class township under Pennsylvania statute until the mid 1900's, when it became a first-class township with a five-member Board of Commissioners.

In 1972, the "Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law" [Act 62 of 1972 (53 P.S. § 1-101 et seq.)] was passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature, giving to municipalities the right and power to adopt a home rule charter, or one of several optional plans, and to exercise the powers and authority of local self-government.

In accordance with that law, the electorate of the township voted in November 1972 to elect a Government Study Commission to study and draft a home rule charter and to recommend whether or not a home rule charter should be adopted. The report of that commission recommended adoption of a charter which provided for a commission-manager form of government, with a seven-member Board of Commissioners.

The recommended charter was approved by the voters of the township on November 6, 1973, and became effective on the first Monday of January 1976.

The Home Rule Charter established a 7 member Board of Commissioners, 2 of whom serve "at large" and 5 of whom serve by ward. The Township Manager implements all programs, policies and general directives of the Board of Commissioners.

Unlike most traditional Pennsylvania Codes (city, borough, township) which outline in detail those things in which local jurisdiction may become involved, the Upper St. Clair Home Rule Charter allows for broad discussion with regard to programming and innovation in all areas of local government, unless specifically exempted by state, local, or federal statute.

Upper St. Clair has prospered as a community under this form of government.