(a) General rule.--A borough may in any year levy separate and different rates of taxation for municipal purposes on all real estate classified as nonfarmland, exclusive of the buildings on the real estate, and on all real estate classified as either buildings on land or farmland. When real estate tax rates are so levied:
(1) The rates shall be determined by the requirements of the borough budget.
(2) A higher rate may be levied on real estate classified as nonfarmland than on real estate classified as either buildings on land or farmland if the respective rates on nonfarmland and on buildings or farmland are so fixed as not to constitute a greater levy in the aggregate than the levy to result from the maximum rate allowed by law on all real estate.
(3) The rates shall be uniform as to all real estate within the classification.
(b) Nonseverability.--Notwithstanding section 104 (relating to constitutional construction), the provisions of this section are nonseverable. If any provision of this section or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remaining provisions or applications of this section are void.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Farmland." Any tract of land that is actively devoted to agricultural use, including, but not limited to, the commercial production of crops, livestock and livestock products as defined in section 3 of the act of June 30, 1981 (P.L.128, No.43), known as the Agricultural Area Security Law.
"Nonfarmland." Any tract of land that is not farmland.
Cross References. Section 1302.1 is referred to in section 1303 of this title.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Title 8 - BOROUGHS AND INCORPORATED TOWNS
Chapter 13 - Taxation and Finance
Section 1302.1 - Different and separate tax levies
Section 1303 - Special levy to pay debts
Section 1304 - Special road fund tax
Section 1305 - Date tax duplicate to issue
Section 1306 - Additions and revisions to duplicates
Section 1307 - Preparation of budget
Section 1308 - Notice of proposed budget and penalty
Section 1309 - Revision and completion of budget
Section 1310 - Adoption of budget
Section 1310.1 - Tax ordinance or resolution
Section 1311 - Amending budget and notice
Section 1312 - Modification of budget and supplemental appropriations and transfers
Section 1313 - Payment from borough funds
Section 1313.1 - Creation of special funds and investments
Section 1314 - Uniform financial report and forms
Section 1315 - Capital improvements to certain public service facilities