Haverford Township Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Haverford Township Zoning Overview
Haverford Township is a residential township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. With a population of approximately 49,084, it is one of the Main Line communities known for excellent schools, tree-lined neighborhoods, and proximity to Philadelphia. The township is home to Haverford College, a prestigious liberal arts institution, and features a mix of historic estates, mid-century suburban developments, and walkable commercial nodes along Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) and other corridors.
The township's zoning is administered by the Planning and Zoning Department. Haverford Township's land use is predominantly residential, with commercial activity concentrated along major corridors. The township maintains a strong emphasis on preserving its residential character while accommodating appropriate commercial and institutional uses.
Key Zoning Districts
Haverford Township's zoning code includes residential districts R-1 (Low Density, 15,000 sq ft minimum lots), R-2 (Medium Density, 10,000 sq ft minimum lots), and R-3 (Medium-High Density, 7,500 sq ft minimum lots). All residential districts maintain a 35-foot height limit. Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) for local-serving businesses and C-2 (General Commercial) for larger retail and office uses along major corridors.
ADU Regulations
Haverford Township does not currently have confirmed ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) provisions. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU mandate. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling unit should contact the Planning and Zoning Department to discuss available options under the township's zoning ordinance.
Development Process
The Planning and Zoning Department processes development applications for Haverford Township. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variance requests and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivision and land development plans. All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Haverford Township and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Haverford Township at (610) 446-1000 or through the township code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Haverford Township
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Delaware County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 15,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 35 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Haverford Township
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Haverford Township are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Haverford Township permit fees →