Pa. governor signs bill that classifies high tunnels as ‘temporary structures’

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law Dec. 23 a measure introduced by Sen. Elder Vogel that ensures high tunnel greenhouses are not considered permanent structures and categorized as real estate for tax purposes.

High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are steel pipe frames covered by plastic that have a variety of agricultural purposes including plant protection, livestock housing, and storage.

“Hoop houses extend their growing season so farming families can improve the profitability of their farms. Growers can start their season 4 to 8 weeks earlier in the spring and extend the season 2 to 5 weeks later in the fall,” said Vogel, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

“Subjecting these temporary structures to taxation places an onerous financial burden on farming families that can more than erase any profits they may realize from using high tunnels in the first place.”