42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55

42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55
in effect

42 Pa.C.S. § 5501 Scope of chapter.

(a) General rule.--An action, proceeding or appeal must be commenced within the time specified in or pursuant to this chapter unless, in the case of a civil action or proceeding, a different time is provided by this title or another statute or a shorter time which is not manifestly unreasonable is prescribed by written agreement. (b) Uniform Commercial Code.--The provisions of Title 13 (relating to commercial code), to the extent that they are inconsistent with this chapter, shall control over the provisions of this chapter. (c) Equitable matters.--Nothing in this chapter shall modify the principles of waiver, laches and estoppel and similar principles heretofore applicable in equitable matters. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 1979, P.L.255, No.86, eff. Jan. 1, 1980; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. imd.; July 11, 1996, P.L.607, No.104, eff. 60 days)

42 Pa.C.S. § 5502 Method of computing periods of limitation generally.

(a) General rule.--The time within which a matter must be commenced under this chapter shall be computed, except as otherwise provided by subsection (b) or by any other provision of this chapter, from the time the cause of action accrued, the criminal offense was committed or the right of appeal arose. (b) Implementing court rules.--Subsection (a) may be made more specifically applicable to particular classes of matters by general rules defining the acts, omissions or events from which the limitation shall be computed. Rules adopted pursuant to this section shall take effect only in the manner provided by section 503(b) (relating to procedures).

42 Pa.C.S. § 5503 Commencement of matters.

(a) General rule.--A matter is commenced for the purposes of this chapter when a document embodying the matter is filed in an office authorized by section 5103 (relating to transfer of erroneously filed matters) or by any other provision of law to receive such document. (b) Implementing court rules.--Subsection (a) may be made more specifically applicable to particular classes of matters, including interparty claims therein, by general rules further defining the document which when filed shall constitute the commencement of a matter. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days) 1978 Amendment. Act 53 amended subsec. (b). Cross References. Section 5503 is referred to in section 5552 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5504 Judicial extension of time.

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in section 1722 (c) (relating to time limitations) or in subsection (b) of this section, the time limited by this chapter shall not be extended by order, rule or otherwise. (b) Fraud.--The time limited by this chapter may be extended to relieve fraud or its equivalent, but there shall be no extension of time as a matter of indulgence or with respect to any criminal proceeding.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5505 Modification of orders.

Except as otherwise provided or prescribed by law, a court upon notice to the parties may modify or rescind any order within 30 days after its entry, notwithstanding the prior termination of any term of court, if no appeal from such order has been taken or allowed. Cross References. Section 5505 is referred to in section 3332 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).

42 Pa.C.S. § 5521 Limitations on foreign claims.

(a) Short title of section.--This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Uniform Statute of Limitations on Foreign Claims Act." (b) General rule.--The period of limitation applicable to a claim accruing outside this Commonwealth shall be either that provided or prescribed by the law of the place where the claim accrued or by the law of this Commonwealth, whichever first bars the claim. (c) Definition.--As used in this section "claim" means any right of action which may be asserted in a civil action or proceeding and includes, but is not limited to, a right of action created by statute. Cross References. Section 5521 is referred to in section 5531 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5522 Six months limitation.

(a) Notice prerequisite to action against government unit.-- (1) Within six months from the date that any injury was sustained or any cause of action accrued, any person who is about to commence any civil action or proceeding within this Commonwealth or elsewhere against a government unit for damages on account of any injury to his person or property under Chapter 85 (relating to matters affecting government units) or otherwise shall file in the office of the government unit, and if the action is against a Commonwealth agency for damages, then also file in the office of the Attorney General, a statement in writing, signed by or in his behalf, setting forth: (i) The name and residence address of the person to whom the cause of action has accrued. (ii) The name and residence address of the person injured. (iii) The date and hour of the accident. (iv) The approximate location where the accident occurred. (v) The name and residence or office address of any attending physician. (2) If the statement provided for by this subsection is not filed, any civil action or proceeding commenced against the government unit more than six months after the date of injury to person or property shall be dismissed and the person to whom any such cause of action accrued for any injury to person or property shall be forever barred from proceeding further thereon within this Commonwealth or elsewhere. The court shall excuse failure to comply with this requirement upon a showing of reasonable excuse for failure to file such statement. (3) In the case of a civil action or proceeding against a government unit other than the Commonwealth government: (i) The time for giving such written notice does not include the time during which an individual injured is unable, due to incapacitation or disability from the injury, to give notice, not exceeding 90 days of incapacity. (ii) If the injuries to an individual result in death, the time for giving notice shall commence with such death. (iii) Failure to comply with this subsection shall not be a bar if the government unit had actual or constructive notice of the incident or condition giving rise to the claim of a person. (b) Commencement of action required.--The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within six months: (1) An action against any officer of any government unit for anything done in the execution of his office, except an action subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter. (2) A petition for the establishment of a deficiency judgment following execution and delivery of the sheriff's deed for the property sold in connection with the execution proceedings referenced in the provisions of section 8103(a) (relating to deficiency judgments). (3) (Repealed). (4) An action under section 4563(c) (relating to civil remedy available). (5) An action or proceeding to set aside a judicial sale of property. (6) A petition for redetermination of fair market value pursuant to section 8103(f.1)(4) following execution and delivery of the sheriff's deed for the property sold in connection with the execution proceedings referenced under section 8103. (c) Exception.--This section shall not apply to any civil action or proceeding brought under section 8522(b)(10) (relating to exceptions to sovereign immunity) or 8542(b)(9) (relating to exceptions to governmental immunity). (Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year; Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1082, No.144, eff. imd.; Nov. 24, 2004, P.L.1243, No.152, eff. 60 days; Mar. 14, 2014, P.L.46, No.20, eff. imd.; Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019) 2019 Amendment. Act 87 added subsec. (c). See sections 9 and 10(3) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability. 2014 Amendment. Act 20 reenacted subsec. (b)(2) and (6), retroactive to January 24, 2005. 2013 Unconstitutionality. Act 152 of 2004 was declared unconstitutional. Commonwealth v. Neiman, 84 A.3d 603 (Pa. 2013). The unconstitutionality took effect March 17, 2014. 1992 Repeal. Act 97 repealed subsec. (b)(3). 1982 Amendment. Act 326 amended subsecs. (a)(2) and (b). Section 403 of Act 326 provided that the amendments to Chapter 55 effected by Act 326 shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of Act 326. 1980 Amendment. Act 142 added present section 5522 and repealed former section 5522 relating to the same subject matter. Section 221(i)(2) of Act 142 provided that, notwithstanding 1 Pa.C.S. § 1957 (relating to ineffective provisions not revived by reenactment in amendatory statutes), it is hereby declared to be the intent of paragraph (1) to restore 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522 to its status prior to the repeal effected by section 802(b) of the act of November 26, 1978, P.L.1399, No.330, known as the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, except as otherwise expressly provided by such section as reenacted and amended hereby. Cross References. Section 5522 is referred to in section 8103 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5523 One year limitation.

The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within one year: (1) An action for libel, slander or invasion of privacy. (2) An action upon a bond given as security by a party in any matter, except a bond given by a condemnor in an eminent domain proceeding. (3) An action upon any payment or performance bond. (Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days) 1982 Amendment. Section 403 of Act 326 provided that the amendments to Chapter 55 effected by Act 326 shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of Act 326.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 Two year limitation.

The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within two years: (1) An action for assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, malicious prosecution or malicious abuse of process. (2) An action to recover damages for injuries to the person or for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another. (3) An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for specific recovery thereof. (4) An action for waste or trespass of real property. (5) An action upon a statute for a civil penalty or forfeiture. (6) An action against any officer of any government unit for the nonpayment of money or the nondelivery of property collected upon on execution or otherwise in his possession. (7) Any other action or proceeding to recover damages for injury to person or property which is founded on negligent, intentional, or otherwise tortious conduct or any other action or proceeding sounding in trespass, including deceit or fraud, except an action or proceeding subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter. (8) An action to recover damages for injury to a person or for the death of a person caused by exposure to asbestos shall be commenced within two years from the date on which the person is informed by a licensed physician that the person has been injured by such exposure or upon the date on which the person knew or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known that the person had an injury which was caused by such exposure, whichever date occurs first. (Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; Dec. 17, 2001, P.L.904, No.101, eff. 60 days; Nov. 24, 2004, P.L.1243, No.152, eff. imd.) 2013 Unconstitutionality. Act 152 of 2004 was declared unconstitutional. Commonwealth v. Neiman, 84 A.3d 603 (Pa. 2013). The unconstitutionality took effect March 17, 2014. Cross References. Section 5524 is referred to in section 1553 of Title 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations).

42 Pa.C.S. § 5524.1 Limitation and application for asbestos claims (Unconstitutional).

2013 Unconstitutionality. Act 152 of 2004 was declared unconstitutional. Commonwealth v. Neiman, 84 A.3d 603 (Pa. 2013). The unconstitutionality took effect March 17, 2014.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5525 Four year limitation.

(a) General rule.--Except as provided for in subsection (b), the following actions and proceedings must be commenced within four years: (1) An action upon a contract, under seal or otherwise, for the sale, construction or furnishing of tangible personal property or fixtures. (2) Any action subject to 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725 (relating to statute of limitations in contracts for sale). (3) An action upon an express contract not founded upon an instrument in writing. (4) An action upon a contract implied in law, except an action subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter. (5) An action upon a judgment or decree of any court of the United States or of any state. (6) An action upon any official bond of a public official, officer or employee. (7) An action upon a negotiable or nonnegotiable bond, note or other similar instrument in writing. Where such an instrument is payable upon demand, the time within which an action on it must be commenced shall be computed from the later of either demand or any payment of principal of or interest on the instrument. (8) An action upon a contract, obligation or liability founded upon a writing not specified in paragraph (7), under seal or otherwise, except an action subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter. (b) Special provisions.--An action subject to section 8315 (relating to damages in actions for identity theft) must be commenced within four years of the date of the offense or four years from the date of the discovery of the identity theft by the plaintiff. (Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; June 19, 2002, P.L.430, No.62, eff. 60 days) Cross References. Section 5525 is referred to in section 5529 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5526 Five year limitation.

The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within five years: (1) An action for revival of a judgment lien on real property. (2) An action for specific performance of a contract for sale of real property or for damages for noncompliance therewith. (3) An action to enforce any equity of redemption or any implied or resulting trust as to real property. (4) (Deleted by amendment). (Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; May 4, 2006, P.L.112, No.34, eff. 120 days) 2006 Amendment. Act 34 deleted par. (4). Section 6(1) of Act 34 provided that Act 34 shall apply to all condemnations effected on or after the effective date of section 6. Section (6)(3) of Act 34 provided that the amendment of par. (4) shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of section 6.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5527 Six year limitation.

(a) Eminent domain.-- (1) (i) If a condemnor has filed a declaration of taking, a petition for the appointment of viewers for the assessment of damages under 26 Pa.C.S. (relating to eminent domain) must be filed within six years from the date on which the condemnor first made payment in accordance with 26 Pa.C.S. § 307(a) or (b) (relating to possession, right of entry and payment of compensation). (ii) If payment is not required to be made under 26 Pa.C.S. § 307(a) to obtain possession, a petition for the appointment of viewers must be filed within six years of the filing of the declaration of taking. (2) If the condemnor has not filed a declaration of taking, a petition for the appointment of viewers for the assessment of damages under 26 Pa.C.S. must be filed within six years from the date on which the asserted taking, injury or destruction of the property occurred or could reasonably have been discovered by the condemnee. (b) Other civil action or proceeding.--Any civil action or proceeding which is neither subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter nor excluded from the application of a period of limitation by section 5531 (relating to no limitation) must be commenced within six years. (Dec. 5, 1980, P.L.1104, No.189, eff. imd.; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; May 4, 2006, P.L.112, No.34, eff. 120 days) 2006 Amendment. Section 6(1) of Act 34 provided that Act 34 shall apply to all condemnations effected on or after the effective date of section 6. Section (6)(3) of Act 34 provided that the amendment of section 5527 shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of section 6. Cross References. Section 5527 is referred to in section 5527.2 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1 Ten year limitation.

(a) Adverse possession.--Title to real property may be acquired after no less than 10 years of actual, continuous, exclusive, visible, notorious, distinct and hostile possession of the real property. (b) Contiguous lots.-- (1) Where an additional lot abuts and is contiguous to real property and has been regularly used as part of and incident to the real property, a possessor who seeks to acquire title to real property under this section may also include the contiguous lot in the action to quiet title under subsection (c). (2) In order to acquire title to the contiguous lot, the possessor must show that: (i) The area of the contiguous lot as described by the metes and bounds does not exceed a total area of one-half acre when combined with the real property. (ii) The possessor has made actual, continuous, exclusive, visible, notorious, distinct and hostile possession of the contiguous lot for a period of not less than 10 years. (c) Quiet title action required.-- (1) A possessor who seeks to acquire title to real property under this section must, after meeting the requirements of subsections (a) and (b), commence a quiet title action and provide notice as required in this section. (2) Notice of the action shall include information relating to the respondent's opportunity to cure as specified in subsection (d) and shall be provided to the record owners, their heirs, successors and assigns. (3) Notice shall be provided in a form approved by rule of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which form shall include the metes and bounds description, deed reference, street address, postal zip code, uniform parcel identifier or tax parcel number and the notices of the one-year period to cure as stated in subsection (d). (d) One-year notice.-- (1) The record owners or their heirs, successors and assigns shall have one year in which to respond by commencing an action in ejectment against the possessor, which action disputes the claim of adverse possession. (2) (i) If an action in ejectment is so filed and served in accordance with the requirements of this section and the verdict and judgment in the ejectment action are rendered in favor of the record owners, or their heirs, successors and assigns, then both the 10-year statute of limitations set forth in this section and the 21-year statute of limitations set forth in section 5530 (relating to twenty-one year limitation) are tolled, and the court shall render a judgment in favor of the record owners, or their heirs, successors and assigns, disposing of the quiet title action. (ii) The period for running the statute of limitations for any subsequent claim seeking title by adverse possession under this section or section 5530 shall commence at a date not earlier than the date of the judgment granting the relief requested in the ejectment action. (3) If no action in ejectment is so filed and served within the one-year period, then judgment may be entered by the court granting title to the real property by adverse possession under this section and the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. (4) A judgment granting title by adverse possession under this section shall not, in and of itself: (i) discharge, terminate or give rise to a presumption of satisfaction or release of any interest in the property that runs with title to the property, including, but not limited to, easements, profits, covenants, mortgages, liens, judgments and leases; (ii) otherwise extend or limit the period of time in which claims relating to the property may be asserted against a possessor granted title by a judgment of adverse possession; or (iii) supersede any applicable provision of law, including, but not limited to, the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, or a zoning code of a city of the first class or city of the second class as the case may be, and any subdivision or land use ordinance, to the extent applicable, then in effect in the jurisdiction where the subject property is located. Nothing contained in this section shall limit the otherwise applicable jurisdiction of any zoning officer, zoning hearing board, zoning board of adjustment or governing body with respect to the subject property. (e) Limitations.--This section shall not apply to real property that is part of a common interest ownership community established under 68 Pa.C.S. Pt. II Subpts. B (relating to condominiums), C (relating to cooperatives) and D (relating to planned communities). (f) Nonapplicability.--This section shall not apply to real property that is: (1) part of a common interest ownership community established under 68 Pa.C.S. Pt. II Subpt. B, C or D; or (2) owned by the United States, the Commonwealth, a local government, or any agency, authority or other unit of the United States, the Commonwealth or local government, including, but not limited to, a redevelopment authority, municipal authority and school district or joint agency or authority of the United States, the Commonwealth or local government unit. (g) Nonexclusive remedy.--The relief available under this section is intended to be cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies that may be available under law or equity, including, but not limited to, the determination of title to a decedent's interest in real estate under 20 Pa.C.S. § 3546 (relating to determination of title to decedent's interest in real estate). (h) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Real property." Real estate not exceeding one-half acre in area that is: (1) Improved by a single-family dwelling that is and has been occupied by a possessor seeking title under this section for the full 10 years. (2) Identified as a separate lot in a recorded conveyance, recorded subdivision plan or recorded official map or plan of a municipality. "Single-family dwelling." A residence designed for occupancy by one household, whether detached from or attached to other structures. (June 19, 2018, P.L.223, No.34, eff. one year) 2018 Amendment. Act 34 added section 5527.1. Cross References. Section 5527.1 is referred to in sections 5527.2, 5527.3, 5530 of this title; section 1143 of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally).

42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.2 Mesne profits.

(a) General rule.--Record owners, their heirs, successors and assigns shall have the right to seek any mesne profits in an action in ejectment filed in response to the notice served under section 5527.1 (relating to ten year limitation) or waive the right to such recovery. (b) Limitation on recovery.--Recovery shall be limited to the mesne profits applicable to the six-year period ending with the commencement of the action in ejectment under section 5527(b) (relating to six year limitation). (June 19, 2018, P.L.223, No.34, eff. one year) 2018 Amendment. Act 34 added section 5527.2.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.3 Reimbursement.

The defendant in the ejectment action under section 5527.1 (relating to ten year limitation) shall have the right to recover such costs for maintenance, improvements, repairs, renovations, taxes or other such expenses to benefit the real property as the defendant can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that were or should have been the responsibility of the record owners, their heirs, successors and assigns. (June 19, 2018, P.L.223, No.34, eff. one year) 2018 Amendment. Act 34 added section 5527.3.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5528 Fifteen year limitation.

Except as otherwise provided by section 17 (relating to periods of limitation) of the act of August 9, 1971 (P.L.286, No.74), known as the "Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act," an action for escheat, or for payment into the State Treasury without escheat, must be commenced within 15 years after the property sought in such action shall have first escheated or become escheatable or payable into the State Treasury under any statute. References in Text. The act of August 9, 1971, P.L.286, No.74, known as the Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act, referred to in this section, was repealed by the act of December 9, 1982, P.L.1057, No.248. The subject matter is now contained in Article XIII.1 of the act of April 9, 1929, P.L.343, No.176, known as The Fiscal Code.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5529 Twenty year limitation.

(a) Execution against personal property.--An execution against personal property must be issued within 20 years after the entry of the judgment upon which the execution is to be issued. (b) Instruments under seal.-- (1) Notwithstanding section 5525(7) (relating to four year limitation), an action upon an instrument in writing under seal must be commenced within 20 years. (2) (Deleted by amendment). (Dec. 5, 1980, P.L.1104, No.189, eff. imd.; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; June 18, 1998, P.L.536, No.77, eff. imd.; June 25, 2018, P.L.348, No.46, eff. imd.) 2018 Amendment. Act 46 deleted subsec. (b)(2). 1982 Amendment. Section 403 of Act 326 provided that the amendments to Chapter 55 effected by Act 326 shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of Act 326.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5530 Twenty-one year limitation.

(a) General rule.--The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within 21 years: (1) Except as provided in section 5527.1 (relating to ten year limitation), an action for the possession of real property. (2) An action for the payment of any ground rent, annuity or other charge upon real property, or any part or portion thereof. If this paragraph shall operate to bar any payment of such a rent, annuity or charge, the rent, annuity or charge to which the payment relates shall be extinguished and no further action may be commenced with respect to subsequent payments. (3) (Deleted by amendment). (b) Entry upon land.--No entry upon real property shall toll the running of the period of limitation specified in subsection (a)(1), unless a possessory action shall be commenced therefor within one year after entry. Such an entry and commencement of a possessory action, without recovery therein, shall not toll the running of such period of limitation in respect of another possessory action, unless such other possessory action is commenced within one year after the termination of the first. (May 4, 2006, P.L.112, No.34, eff. 120 days; June 19, 2018, P.L.223, No.34, eff. one year) 2018 Amendment. Act 34 amended subsec. (a)(1). 2006 Amendment. Act 34 deleted subsec. (a)(3). Section 6(1) of Act 34 provided that Act 34 shall apply to all condemnations effected on or after the effective date of section 6. Section (6)(3) of Act 34 provided that the amendment of subsec. (a)(3) shall apply only to causes of action which accrue after the effective date of section 6. Cross References. Section 5530 is referred to in section 5527.1 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5531 No limitation.

The following actions and proceedings may be commenced at any time notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter except section 5521 (relating to limitations on foreign claims): (1) An action against an attorney at law by or on behalf of a client to enforce any implied or resulting trust as to real property. (2) An action by the Commonwealth, a county or an institution district against the real or personal property of persons who were public charges, including mental patients, to recover the cost of their maintenance and support. (3) An action by the Commonwealth, a county or an institution district against the real or personal property of persons who were legally liable to pay for the maintenance and support of persons who were public charges, including mental patients, to recover the cost of their maintenance and support. Cross References. Section 5531 is referred to in section 5527 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5532 Absence or concealment.

(a) General rule.--If, when a cause of action accrues against a person, he is without this Commonwealth, the time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced shall be computed from the time he comes into or returns to this Commonwealth. If, after a cause of action has accrued against a person, he departs from this Commonwealth and remains continuously absent therefrom for four months or more, or he resides within this Commonwealth under a false name which is unknown to the person entitled to commence the action or proceeding, the time of his absence or residence within this Commonwealth under such a false name is not a part of the time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced. (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) does not apply in any of the following cases: (1) While there is in force a designation, voluntary or involuntary, made pursuant to law, of a person to whom process may be delivered within this Commonwealth with the same effect as if served personally within this Commonwealth. (2) While a foreign corporation has one or more officers or other persons in this Commonwealth on whom process against such corporation may be served. (3) While jurisdiction over the person of the defendant can be obtained without personal delivery of process to him within this Commonwealth. (c) Fraudulent concealment.--In the case of a civil action or proceeding against the trustee of an express or implied trust, the time within which such an action or proceeding by or on behalf of a beneficiary on account of fraud must be commenced shall be computed from the discovery of the fraud, or when, by reasonable diligence, the person defrauded might have discovered the fraud. This subsection shall not prevent a bona fide purchaser for value from pleading the applicable statute of limitations.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5533 Infancy, insanity or imprisonment.

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided by statute, insanity or imprisonment does not extend the time limited by this subchapter for the commencement of a matter. (b) Infancy.-- (1) (i) If an individual entitled to bring a civil action is an unemancipated minor at the time the cause of action accrues, the period of minority shall not be deemed a portion of the time period within which the action must be commenced. Such person shall have the same time for commencing an action after attaining majority as is allowed to others by the provisions of this subchapter. (ii) As used in this paragraph, the term "minor" shall mean any individual who has not yet attained 18 years of age. (2) (i) If an individual entitled to bring a civil action arising from sexual abuse is under 18 years of age at the time the cause of action accrues, the individual shall have a period of 37 years after attaining 18 years of age in which to commence an action for damages regardless of whether the individual files a criminal complaint regarding the sexual abuse. (i.1) If an individual entitled to bring a civil action arising from sexual abuse is at least 18 and less than 24 years of age at the time the cause of action occurs, the individual shall have until attaining 30 years of age to commence an action for damages regardless of whether the individual files a criminal complaint regarding the sexual abuse. (ii) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "sexual abuse" shall include, but not be limited to, the following sexual activities between an individual who is 23 years of age or younger and an adult, provided that the individual bringing the civil action engaged in such activities as a result of forcible compulsion or by threat of forcible compulsion which would prevent resistance by a person of reasonable resolution: (A) sexual intercourse, which includes penetration, however slight, of any body part or object into the sex organ of another; (B) deviate sexual intercourse, which includes sexual intercourse per os or per anus; and (C) indecent contact, which includes any touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of the person for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire in either person. (iii) For purposes of this paragraph, "forcible compulsion" shall have the meaning given to it in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3101 (relating to definitions). (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; May 30, 1984, P.L.337, No.67, eff. 30 days; June 28, 2002, P.L.518, No.86, eff. 60 days; Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019) 2019 Amendment. Act 87 amended subsec. (b)(2). See sections 9 and 10(1) and (2) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability. 2002 Amendment. Act 86 amended subsec. (b). Section 3 of Act 86 provided that the amendment of subsec. (b) shall not be applied to revive an action which has been barred by an existing statute of limitations on the effective date of Act 86.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5534 War.

(a) Cause of action accruing in foreign country.--Where a cause of action, whether originally accrued in favor of a resident or nonresident of this Commonwealth, accrued in a foreign country with which the United States or any of its allies were then or subsequently at war, or territory then or subsequently occupied by the government of such foreign country, the time which elapsed between the commencement of the war, or of such occupation, and the termination of hostilities with such country, or of such occupation, is not a part of the time within which the civil action or proceeding must be commenced, notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter. (b) Alien a party.--Where a person is unable to commence an action or proceeding within this Commonwealth because any party is an alien subject or citizen of a foreign country at war with the United States or any of its allies, whether the cause of action accrued during or prior to the war, the time which elapsed between the commencement of the war and the termination of hostilities with such country is not a part of the time within which the civil action or proceeding must be commenced, notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter. (c) Nonenemy in enemy country or enemy-occupied territory.--Where a person entitled to commence an action or proceeding, other than a person entitled to the benefits of subsection (b), is a resident of, or a sojourner in, a foreign country with which the United States or any of its allies are at war, or territory occupied by the government of such foreign country, the period of such residence or sojourn during which the war continues or the territory is so occupied is not a part of the time within which the civil action or proceeding must be commenced, notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5535 Effect of other actions and proceedings.

(a) Termination of prior matter.-- (1) If a civil action or proceeding is timely commenced and is terminated, a party, or his successor in interest, may, notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, commence a new action or proceeding upon the same cause of action within one year after the termination and any other party may interpose any defense or claim which might have been interposed in the original action or proceeding. (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to: (i) An action to recover damages for injury to the person or for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another. (ii) An action or proceeding terminated by a voluntary nonsuit, a discontinuance, a dismissal for neglect to prosecute the action or proceeding, or a final judgment upon the merits. (b) Stay of matter.--Where the commencement of a civil action or proceeding has been stayed by a court or by statutory prohibition, the duration of the stay is not a part of the time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced. (c) Arbitration.--Where it shall have been finally determined by a court that a party is not obligated to submit a claim to arbitration, the time which elapsed between the demand for arbitration and the final determination by a court that there is no obligation to arbitrate is not a part of the time within which a civil action or proceeding upon such claim must be commenced. The time within which the action or proceeding must be commenced shall not be extended by this subsection beyond one year after such final determination by a court. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days) 1980 Amendment. Act 142 amended subsec. (c). 1978 Amendment. Act 53 amended subsec. (a). Cross References. Section 5535 is referred to in section 5103 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5536 Construction projects.

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), a civil action or proceeding brought against any person lawfully performing or furnishing the design, planning, supervision or observation of construction, or construction of any improvement to real property must be commenced within 12 years after completion of construction of such improvement to recover damages for: (1) Any deficiency in the design, planning, supervision or observation of construction or construction of the improvement. (2) Injury to property, real or personal, arising out of any such deficiency. (3) Injury to the person or for wrongful death arising out of any such deficiency. (4) Contribution or indemnity for damages sustained on account of any injury mentioned in paragraph (2) or (3). (b) Exceptions.-- (1) If an injury or wrongful death shall occur more than ten and within 12 years after completion of the improvement a civil action or proceeding within the scope of subsection (a) may be commenced within the time otherwise limited by this subchapter, but not later than 14 years after completion of construction of such improvement. (2) The limitation prescribed by subsection (a) shall not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement at the time any deficiency in such an improvement constitutes the proximate cause of the injury or wrongful death for which it is proposed to commence an action or proceeding. (c) No extension of limitations.--This section shall not extend the period within which any civil action or proceeding may be commenced under any provision of law. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days) 1978 Amendment. Act 53 amended subsecs. (a) and (b).

42 Pa.C.S. § 5537 Land surveying.

All actions to recover any or all damages against any person engaged in the practice of land surveying occurring as the result of any deficiency, defect, omission, error or miscalculation shall be commenced within 12 years from the time the services are performed. Any such action not commenced within this 12-year period shall be forever barred. The cause of action in such cases shall accrue when the services are performed. Furthermore, any action shall be commenced within four years from the time that such cause of action was discovered, but no later than during this 12-year limitation period. In any event, no action shall be commenced after the 12 years from the time that the services are performed. The term "practice of land surveying" shall be the same as defined under the act of May 23, 1945 (P.L.913, No.367), known as the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law. (June 30, 1988, P.L.464, No.79, eff. imd.; July 7, 2006, P.L.348, No.72, eff. 60 days)

42 Pa.C.S. § 5538 Landscape architecture.

(a) General rule.--All actions to recover any or all damages against any person engaged in the practice of landscape architecture occurring as the result of any deficiency, defect, omission, error or miscalculation shall be commenced within 12 years from the time the services are performed. Any such action not commenced within this 12-year period shall be forever barred. The cause of action shall accrue upon substantial completion of the project. Nothing in this section shall be construed as extending the period prescribed by the laws of this Commonwealth for the bringing of any action. The term "practice of landscape architecture" shall be the same as defined in the act of January 24, 1966 (1965 P.L.1527, No.535), known as the Landscape Architects' Registration Law. (b) Exception.--The limitation prescribed by subsection (a) shall not be asserted by way of defense by any person in actual possession or control, as owner, tenant or otherwise, of such an improvement at the time any deficiency in such an improvement constitutes the proximate cause of the injury or wrongful death for which it is proposed to commence an action or proceeding. (June 30, 1988, P.L.464, No.79, eff. imd.) 1988 Amendment. Act 79 added section 5538.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5539 Real estate appraisals.

(a) General rule.--Except as provided under subsection (b), an action to recover damages against a real estate appraiser arising out of the appraiser's real estate appraisal activity shall be brought within five years after the date the appraisal was conducted. (b) Exception.--An action to recover damages against a real estate appraiser under subsection (a) may be filed more than five years after the date the appraisal was conducted if: (1) there is evidence of fraud or intentional misrepresentation on the part of the real estate appraiser; or (2) the appraisal was performed for a consumer as part of the purchase or sale of single-family residential real property not involving a lender. (Dec. 22, 2021, P.L.452, No.93, eff. 60 days) 2021 Amendment. Act 93 added section 5539. Section 2 of Act 93 provided that the five-year period of repose under section 5539 shall not apply to a cause of action which has accrued on or before the effective date of section 2.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5551 No limitation applicable.

A prosecution for the following offenses may be commenced at any time: (1) Murder. (2) Voluntary manslaughter. (3) Conspiracy to commit murder or solicitation to commit murder if a murder results from the conspiracy or solicitation. (4) Any felony alleged to have been perpetrated in connection with a murder of the first or second degree, as set forth in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2502(a) or (b) and (d) (relating to murder). (5) A violation of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742 (relating to accidents involving death or personal injury) or 3732 (relating to homicide by vehicle) if the accused was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the death of any person. (6) A violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)(1), (2), (4) or (7) (relating to aggravated assault) if the accused knew the victim was a law enforcement officer and the law enforcement officer was acting within the scope of the officer's duties. (7) An offense under any of the following provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. (relating to crimes and offenses), or a conspiracy or solicitation to commit an offense under any of the following provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. if the offense results from the conspiracy or solicitation, if the victim was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense: Section 3011(b) (relating to trafficking in individuals). Section 3012 (relating to involuntary servitude) as it relates to sexual servitude. Section 3121 (relating to rape). Section 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual assault). Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse). Section 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault). Section 3124.2 (relating to institutional sexual assault). Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault). Section 4302 (relating to incest). (Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 14, 1984, P.L.986, No.199, eff. 60 days; Dec. 19, 1984, P.L.1089, No.218, eff. imd.; Apr. 5, 1990, P.L.113, No.27, eff. 60 days; July 17, 2007, P.L.123, No.37, eff. 60 days; Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019) 2019 Amendment. Act 87 added par. (7). See sections 9 and 10(1) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability. 2007 Amendment. Act 37 amended the entire section. Section 5 of Act 37 provided that the addition of par. (6) which provides for a new statute of limitations for certain violations of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)(1), (2), (4) or (7) shall apply to such aggravated assaults committed after the effective date of section 5. Cross References. Section 5551 is referred to in sections 5552, 8522, 8542 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5552 Other offenses.

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, a prosecution for an offense must be commenced within two years after it is committed. (b) Major offenses.--A prosecution for any of the following offenses must be commenced within five years after it is committed: (1) Under the following provisions of Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses): Section 901 (relating to criminal attempt) involving attempt to commit murder where no murder occurs. Section 902 (relating to criminal solicitation) involving solicitation to commit murder where no murder occurs. Section 903 (relating to criminal conspiracy) involving conspiracy to commit murder where no murder occurs. Section 911 (relating to corrupt organizations). Section 2702 (relating to aggravated assault). Section 2706 (relating to terroristic threats). Section 2713 (relating to neglect of care-dependent person). Section 2901 (relating to kidnapping). Section 3301 (relating to arson and related offenses). Section 3502 (relating to burglary). Section 3701 (relating to robbery). Section 3921 (relating to theft by unlawful taking or disposition) through section 3933 (relating to unlawful use of computer). Section 4101 (relating to forgery). Section 4107 (relating to deceptive or fraudulent business practices). Section 4108 (relating to commercial bribery and breach of duty to act disinterestedly). Section 4109 (relating to rigging publicly exhibited contest). Section 4117 (relating to insurance fraud). Section 4701 (relating to bribery in official and political matters) through section 4703 (relating to retaliation for past official action). Section 4902 (relating to perjury) through section 4912 (relating to impersonating a public servant). Section 4952 (relating to intimidation of witnesses or victims). Section 4953 (relating to retaliation against witness, victim or party). Section 5101 (relating to obstructing administration of law or other governmental function). Section 5111 (relating to dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities). Section 5512 (relating to lotteries, etc.) through section 5514 (relating to pool selling and bookmaking). Section 5902(b) (relating to prostitution and related offenses). Section 6111(g)(2) and (4) (relating to sale or transfer of firearms). (2) Any offense punishable under section 13(f) of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. (3) Any conspiracy to commit any of the offenses set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) and any solicitation to commit any of the offenses in paragraphs (1) and (2) if the solicitation results in the completed offense. (4) Under the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code. (5) Under the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.874, No.110), known as the Motor Vehicle Chop Shop and Illegally Obtained and Altered Property Act. (b.1) Major sexual offenses.--Except as provided in section 5551(7) (relating to no limitation applicable), a prosecution for any of the following offenses under Title 18 must be commenced within 12 years after it is committed: Section 3121 (relating to rape). Section 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual assault). Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse). Section 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault). Section 3124.2 (relating to institutional sexual assault). Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault). Section 4302 (relating to incest). Section 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children). (c) Exceptions.--If the period prescribed in subsection (a), (b) or (b.1) has expired, a prosecution may nevertheless be commenced for: (1) Any offense a material element of which is either fraud or a breach of fiduciary obligation within one year after discovery of the offense by an aggrieved party or by a person who has a legal duty to represent an aggrieved party and who is himself not a party to the offense, but in no case shall this paragraph extend the period of limitation otherwise applicable by more than three years. (2) Any offense committed by a public officer or employee in the course of or in connection with his office or employment at any time when the defendant is in public office or employment or within five years thereafter, but in no case shall this paragraph extend the period of limitation otherwise applicable by more than eight years. (3) Any sexual offense committed against a minor who is less than 18 years of age any time up to the later of the period of limitation provided by law after the minor has reached 18 years of age or the date the minor reaches 55 years of age. As used in this paragraph, the term "sexual offense" means a crime under the following provisions of Title 18 or a conspiracy or solicitation to commit an offense under any of the following provisions of Title 18 if the offense results from the conspiracy or solicitation: Section 3126 (relating to indecent assault). Section 3127 (relating to indecent exposure). Section 4304 (relating to endangering welfare of children). Section 6301 (relating to corruption of minors). Section 6312(b) (relating to sexual abuse of children). Section 6320 (relating to sexual exploitation of children). (3.1) Any sexual offense committed against an individual who is 23 years of age or younger any time up to the later of the period of limitation provided by law after the individual has reached 24 years of age or 20 years after the date of the offense. As used in this paragraph, the term "sexual offense" means a crime under the following provisions of Title 18 or a conspiracy or solicitation to commit an offense under any of the following provisions of Title 18 if the offense results from the conspiracy or solicitation: Section 3011(a) (relating to trafficking in individuals) as it relates to sexual servitude. Section 3012 (relating to involuntary servitude) as it relates to sexual servitude. Section 3121(a) and (b). Section 3123(a). Section 3124.1. Section 3124.2(a) and (b). Section 3125(a). Section 3126. Section 3127. Section 4302(a). (4) An offense in violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(c) or (g), within one year of its discovery by State or local law enforcement, but in no case shall this paragraph extend the period of limitation otherwise applicable by more than eight years. (5) An offense under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3011 or 3012 in which the victim of human trafficking was not a minor any time up to ten years from the date of the last offense under this paragraph committed against the victim. (6) An offense under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3012 involving labor servitude while the victim was a minor any time up to ten years after the victim reaches 18 years of age. (c.1) Genetic identification evidence.--Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, if evidence of a misdemeanor sexual offense set forth in subsection (c)(3) or (3.1) or a felony offense is obtained containing human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which is subsequently used to identify an otherwise unidentified individual as the perpetrator of the offense, the prosecution of the offense may be commenced within the period of limitations provided for the offense or one year after the identity of the individual is determined, whichever is later. (d) Commission of offense.--An offense is committed either when every element occurs, or, if a legislative purpose to prohibit a continuing course of conduct plainly appears, at the time when the course of conduct or the complicity of the defendant therein is terminated. Time starts to run on the day after the offense is committed. (e) Commencement of prosecution.--Except as otherwise provided by general rule adopted pursuant to section 5503 (relating to commencement of matters), a prosecution is commenced either when an indictment is found or an information under section 8931(b) (relating to indictment and information) is issued, or when a warrant, summons or citation is issued, if such warrant, summons or citation is executed without unreasonable delay. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Oct. 4, 1978, P.L.873, No.168, eff. 60 days; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; May 13, 1982, P.L.417, No.122, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 1982, P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; Dec. 14, 1984, P.L.986, No.199, eff. 60 days; Dec. 19, 1984, P.L.1089, No.218, eff. imd.; Dec. 19, 1990, P.L.1341, No.208, eff. 60 days; Mar. 31, 1995, 1st Sp.Sess., P.L.985, No.10, eff. 60 days; Mar. 29, 1996, P.L.51, No.17, eff. 60 days; Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1086, No.145, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.976, No.136, eff. imd.; Nov. 21, 2001, P.L.844, No.86, eff. 60 days; June 28, 2002, P.L.518, No.86, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1428, No.185, eff. imd.; July 7, 2006, P.L.378, No.81, eff. 7 days; Nov. 29, 2006, P.L.1581, No.179, eff. 60 days; Oct. 17, 2008, P.L.1628, No.131, eff. 60 days; July 2, 2014, P.L.945, No.105, eff. 60 days; Nov. 26, 2019, P.L.641, No.87, eff. Nov. 26, 2019) 2019 Amendment. Act 87 amended subsecs. (b.1), (c)(3) and (c.1) and added subsec. (c)(3.1). See sections 9 and 10(1) of Act 87 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to severability and applicability. 2014 Amendment. Act 105 amended subsec. (c)(3) and added subsec. (c)(5) and (6). 2008 Amendment. Act 131 amended subsec. (b)(1) and added subsec. (c)(4). 2006 Amendments. Act 81 amended subsec. (b.1) and Act 179 amended subsec. (c)(3). Section 5 of Act 81 provided that Act 81 shall apply to all actions instituted on or after the effective date of Act 81. 2004 Amendment. Act 185 added subsec. (c.1). 2002 Amendment. Act 86 amended subsecs. (b)(1) and (c) and added subsec. (b.1). 2001 Amendment. Act 86 amended subsec. (b). 1984 Amendments. Acts 199 and 218 amended subsecs. (a) and (b). The amendments by Acts 199 and 218 are identical. References in Text. Section 3933 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) is repealed. The subject matter is now contained in section 7611 of Title 18. Sections 4907 and 4908 of Title 18 are repealed. The act of November 24, 1998, P.L.874, No.110, known as the Motor Vehicle Chop Shop and Illegally Obtained and Altered Property Act, referred to in par. (7), was repealed by the act of October 25, 2012, P.L.1645, No.203. The subject matter is now contained in Chapter 77 of Title 18. The short title of the act of June 13, 1967, P.L.31, No.21, known as the Public Welfare Code, referred to in subsection (b), was amended by the act of December 28, 2015, P.L.500, No.92. The amended short title is now the Human Services Code. Cross References. Section 5552 is referred to in section 903 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).

42 Pa.C.S. § 5553 Summary offenses involving vehicles.

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c), proceedings for summary offenses under Title 75 (relating to vehicles) must be commenced within 30 days after the commission of the alleged offense or within 30 days after the discovery of the commission of the offense or the identity of the offender, whichever is later, and not thereafter. (b) Minor offenses.--(Deleted by amendment). (c) Exceptions.-- (1) Where proceedings are timely commenced against a person reasonably believed to have committed the summary offense or offenses charged and it subsequently appears that a person other than the person charged is the offender, proceedings may be commenced against the other person within 30 days after the identity of the person is discovered and not thereafter. (2) Proceedings for summary offenses under Title 75 may be commenced within 365 days after the commission of the offense, the discovery of the commission of the offense or the discovery of the identity of the offender, whichever is later, and not thereafter if the offense involved an accident resulting in the bodily injury or death of any person. (3) Where a police officer reasonably believes that there are multiple summary offenses arising out of the same conduct or the same criminal episode and that an offense under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543 (relating to driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked) has occurred, proceedings on all summary offenses arising from the conduct or episode may be commenced at the same time and must be commenced within 30 days after the commission of the alleged offenses or within 30 days after the discovery of the commission of the offenses or the identity of the offender or within 30 days after the police officer receives verification of the basis for the suspension from the Department of Transportation as required under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543(d), whichever is later, and not thereafter. (d) Local ordinances on overtime parking.--Local ordinances pertaining to overtime parking shall be subject to the provisions of this section. (e) Disposition of proceedings within three years.--No proceedings shall be held or action taken pursuant to a summary offense under Title 75 subsequent to three years after the commission of the offense. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; June 15, 1982, P.L.512, No.141, eff. 60 days; Nov. 29, 2004, P.L.1325, No.166, eff. 60 days; Nov. 29, 2004, P.L.1364, No.176, eff. imd.) 2004 Amendments. Act 166 amended subsecs. (c) and (e) and Act 176 amended subsecs. (a) and (c) and deleted subsec. (b). Act 176 overlooked the amendment by Act 166, but the amendments do not conflict in substance and have both been given effect in setting forth the text of section 5553. Cross References. Section 5553 is referred to in section 5554 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5554 Tolling of statute.

Except as provided by section 5553(e) (relating to disposition of proceedings within two years), the period of limitation does not run during any time when: (1) the accused is continuously absent from this Commonwealth or has no reasonably ascertainable place of abode or work within this Commonwealth; (2) a prosecution against the accused for the same conduct is pending in this Commonwealth; or (3) a child is under 18 years of age, where the crime involves injuries to the person of the child caused by the wrongful act, or neglect, or unlawful violence, or negligence of the child's parents or by a person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; July 10, 1985, P.L.193, No.49, eff. 60 days)

42 Pa.C.S. § 5571 Appeals generally.

(a) General rule.--The time for filing an appeal, a petition for allowance of appeal, a petition for permission to appeal or a petition for review of a quasi-judicial order, in the Supreme Court, the Superior Court or the Commonwealth Court shall be governed by general rules. No other provision of this subchapter shall be applicable to matters subject to this subsection. (b) Other courts.--Except as otherwise provided in subsections (a) and (c) and in section 5571.1 (relating to appeals from ordinances, resolutions, maps, etc.), an appeal from a tribunal or other government unit to a court or from a court to an appellate court must be commenced within 30 days after the entry of the order from which the appeal is taken, in the case of an interlocutory or final order. (c) Exceptions.-- (1) Election cases.--The time for appeal from an order in any matter arising under the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the "Pennsylvania Election Code," or any other statute relating to registration or elections shall, if such statutes provide for a lesser time for appeal, be governed by the appropriate provision of such statutes. (2) Financing cases.--The time for appeal from an order in any matter arising under the act of July 12, 1972 (P.L.781, No.185), known as the "Local Government Unit Debt Act," or any other statute relating to the incurring of debt by a government unit, shall if such statutes provide for a lesser time for appeal, be governed by the appropriate provision of such statutes. (3) Probate matters.--The time for appeal from an order of a register of wills under Title 20 (relating to decedents, estates and fiduciaries) shall, if such statute provides a greater time for appeal, be governed by the appropriate provision of such statute. (4) Execution matters.--The time for appeal from an order of any system or related personnel entered in connection with enforcement of attachments, judgments or similar process or orders shall be governed by general rule. (5) (Deleted by amendment). (6) Implied determinations.--When pursuant to law a determination is deemed to have been made by reason of the expiration of a specified period of time after submission of a matter to a tribunal or other government unit or after another prior event, any person affected may treat the expiration of such period as equivalent to the entry of an order for purposes of appeal and any person affected shall so treat the expiration of the period where the person has actual knowledge (other than knowledge of the mere lapse of time) that an implied determination has occurred. (d) Interlocutory appeals.--A petition for permission to appeal from an interlocutory order must be filed within 30 days after its entry. (e) Action following grant of permission to appeal.--The period limited by this section is tolled by the filing of a petition for permission to appeal. If the petition is granted further proceedings in the matter, including any time limitations, shall be governed by general rules or rules of court, and not by the provisions of subsections (b) through (d). (f) Cross appeals.--An appellee may be permitted by general rules or rules of court to take an appeal within the time limited by rule from an order from which another party has taken a timely appeal, notwithstanding the fact that the time otherwise limited by this section has expired. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Oct. 5, 1980, P.L.693, No.142, eff. 60 days; Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1705, No.215, eff. imd.; July 4, 2008, P.L.325, No.40, eff. imd.) Saved from Suspension. Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure for District Justices No. 1082, as amended April 25, 1979, provided that section 5571(b), (c)(4) and (f) shall not be deemed suspended or affected. Rules 1001 through 1082 relate to appellate proceedings with respect to judgments and other decisions of justices of the peace in civil matters. Act 207 of 2004 changed justices of the peace to magisterial district judges. Rule 1082 can now be found in the Rules of Conduct, Office Standards and Civil Procedure for Magisterial District Judges. References in Text. The act of July 12, 1972, P.L.781, No.185, known as the Local Government Unit Debt Act, referred to in subsec. (c), was repealed by the act of December 19, 1996, P.L.1158, No.177. The subject matter is now contained in Subpart B of Part VIII of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally). Cross References. Section 5571 is referred to in section 7361 of this title; section 2547 of Title 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations); section 8854 of Title 53 (Municipalities Generally).

42 Pa.C.S. § 5571.1 Appeals from ordinances, resolutions, maps, etc.

(a) Applicability; court of common pleas.-- (1) This section shall apply to any appeal raising questions relating to an alleged defect in the process of or procedure for enactment or adoption of any ordinance, resolution, map or similar action of a political subdivision. (2) An appeal pursuant to this section shall be to the court of common pleas. (b) Appeals of defects in statutory procedure.-- (1) Any appeal raising questions relating to an alleged defect in statutory procedure shall be brought within 30 days of the intended effective date of the ordinance. (2) Except as provided in subsection (c), it is the express intent of the General Assembly that this 30-day limitation shall apply regardless of the ultimate validity of the challenged ordinance. (c) Exemption from limitation.--An appeal shall be exempt from the time limitation in subsection (b) if the party bringing the appeal establishes that, because of the particular nature of the alleged defect in statutory procedure, the application of the time limitation under subsection (b) would result in an impermissible deprivation of constitutional rights. (d) Presumptions.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, appeals pursuant to this section shall be subject to and in accordance with the following: (1) An ordinance shall be presumed to be valid and to have been enacted or adopted in strict compliance with statutory procedure. (2) In all cases in which an appeal filed in court more than two years after the intended effective date of the ordinance is allowed to proceed in accordance with subsection (c), the political subdivision involved and residents and landowners within the political subdivision shall be presumed to have substantially relied upon the validity and effectiveness of the ordinance. (3) An ordinance shall not be found void from inception unless the party alleging the defect in statutory procedure meets the burden of proving the elements set forth in subsection (e). (e) Burden of proof.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an ordinance shall not be found void from inception except as follows: (1) In the case of an appeal brought within the 30-day time limitation of subsection (b), the party alleging the defect must meet the burden of proving that there was a failure to strictly comply with statutory procedure. (2) In the case of an appeal which is exempt from the 30-day time limitation in accordance with subsection (c), the party alleging the defect must meet the burden of proving each of the following: (i) That there was a failure to strictly comply with statutory procedure. (ii) That there was a failure to substantially comply with statutory procedure which resulted in insufficient notification to the public of impending changes in or the existence of the ordinance, so that the public would be prevented from commenting on those changes and intervening, if necessary, or from having knowledge of the existence of the ordinance. (iii) That there exist facts sufficient to rebut any presumption that may exist pursuant to subsection (d)(2) that would, unless rebutted, result in a determination that the ordinance is not void from inception. (f) Void ordinances.--A determination that an ordinance is void from inception shall not affect any previously acquired rights of property owners who have exercised good faith reliance on the validity of the ordinance prior to the determination. (g) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection: "Intended effective date." Notwithstanding the validity of the challenged ordinance, the effective date specified in the challenged ordinance or, if no effective date is specified, the date 60 days after the date the ordinance would have been finally adopted but for the alleged defect in the process of enactment or adoption. "Ordinance." An ordinance, resolution, map or similar action of a political subdivision. "Statutory procedure." The preenactment and postenactment procedures prescribed by statute or ordinance in adopting an ordinance. (July 4, 2008, P.L.325, No.40, eff. imd.) 2008 Amendment. Act 40 added section 5571.1. Cross References. Section 5571.1 is referred to in section 5571 of this title; section 7705 of Title 73 (Townships).

42 Pa.C.S. § 5572 Time of entry of order.

The date of service of an order of a government unit, which shall be the date of mailing if service is by mail, shall be deemed to be the date of entry of the order for the purposes of this subchapter. The date of entry of an order of a court or magisterial district judge may be specified by general rules. (Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days) 2004 Amendment. See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.

42 Pa.C.S. § 5573 Effect of application for rehearing.

If an application for rehearing or reconsideration of an order is made to a tribunal the effect thereof on the time for appeal from such order shall be governed by general rules adopted pursuant to section 1722(a) (relating to adoption of administrative and procedural rules). (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days)

42 Pa.C.S. § 5574 Effect of application for amendment to qualify for interlocutory appeal.

If an application is made to a tribunal within 30 days after the entry of an interlocutory order not appealable as a matter of right for an amendment of such order to set forth expressly the statement specified in section 702(b) (relating to interlocutory appeals by permission), the time for filing a petition for permission to appeal from such order shall run from the entry of the order denying the amendment or amending the order, as the case may be.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=42Fetched: 10/16/2026