Clean and Green (Act 156)
Clean and Green (Act 156) is a preferential tax assessment program that bases property taxes on use value, either agricultural use, agricultural reserve, or forest reserve, rather than fair market value, for qualifying properties.
Assessed non-commercial properties listed in the Agricultural Reserve Parcels Report(PDF, 12KB) are free and open to the public for recreation, with no discrimination against any person using the land.
Eligible Properties
- A property must be at least 10 acres in size.
- A property is capable of generating at least $2,000 annually in farm income.
Types of eligible land in Allegheny County:
- Land in agriculture use
- Agricultural reserve
- Forest reserve
Note: If a property owner decides to change how they use the land, the taxes they pay could change. See P.S. 72, Sections 5490.8 and Section 5490.2.
For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture page on the Clean & Green Act.
How to Apply for Clean and Green (Act 156)
Complete and mail in an Act 156 Application(PDF, 771KB) (downloadable, editable PDF) by June 1 to be effective for the following calendar tax year.
Do not send the recording fee yet. The fee will only be requested if the application is approved.
If the application is approved
A representative from the Office of Property Assessments will record the Application for Preferential Assessment in the Division of Real Estate.
Step 1: Pay a fee to record the assessment. Find the fee on the "DEEDS" table on the Division of Real Estate's Fee Schedule(PDF, 180KB).
Step 2: Make out a money order, certified check, or business check to the Division of Real Estate of Allegheny County.
Step 3: Mail payment to:
Allegheny County Office of Property Assessments
Attn: Legislative Acts
542 Forbes Avenue, Room 347
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
If the application is denied or the determination is not agreed to
The determination can be appealed by Special Appeal.
Contact
Questions? Call the Clean & Green Coordinator at 412-350-2619.