About

Project Overview 

The zoning ordinance update includes several major steps, including reviewing, updating, and reorganizing the ordinance for clarity, identifying missing or outdated standards, and introducing new provisions to address priorities outlined in the Comprehensive Plan (Haverford 2035), such as mixed-use development, sustainability, and preserving neighborhood character.

Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders will have many opportunities to share their ideas and lived experience through surveys, workshops, walking tours, and public meetings. The goal is to create a zoning ordinance that is not only legally sound but also reflects the unique identity and aspirations of Haverford Township. For more information about how to get involved, visit the Participate page.

Leadership and Purpose 

The zoning ordinance is one of a municipality’s most important tools, ensuring that its land-use regulations reflect the values, priorities, and long-term vision of the community as reflected in Haverford 2035.

The Haverford Township Board of Commissioners initiated this update in early 2025 to:

  • Modernize the ordinance to reflect current-day needs and standards.

  • Align residential and business development standards with the goals established in Haverford 2035.

  • Clarify and streamline the requirements for residents, institutions, and businesses so that they are more user-friendly.

  • Provide updated requirements to guide the Township’s Zoning Hearing Board’s decision-making.

The last full update of the zoning ordinance was more than three decades ago, though incremental changes have been made. This effort represents a major opportunity to create a zoning ordinance that truly supports the Township’s future.

Four-Stage Timeline

The Steering Committee met with the consultant on July 31st to establish a four-stage approach to the project: 

Stage 1 – Project Coordination & Community Engagement

Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders will have many opportunities to share their ideas and concerns through surveys, workshops, walking tours, and public meetings. The goal is to create a zoning ordinance that is not only legally sound but also reflects the unique identity and aspirations of Haverford Township. For more information about how to get involved, visit the Participate page.

Stage 2 – Reformatting & Initial Updates (Target: Early 2026)

Delivery of a reorganized, consistent, and user-friendly ordinance framework for the Board of Commissioners consideration for approval. Early efforts will involve making the existing ordinance easier to read and use. The ordinance will be reorganized for consistency and reformatted to make it more user friendly. Definitions will be updated to today’s standards and new illustrations and tables will make it easier to understand what is permitted in each zoning district. This initial update will form the foundation of future substantive revisions.

Stage 3 – Substantive Ordinance Changes (Target: Early 2027)

In collaboration with the community, we will evaluate the standards in the zoning ordinance to understand how the current zoning ordinance supports, or contradicts, the Township's goals for each zone. This will include a review of our zoning standards, including, but not limited to: uses, density, parking, and signage, among many others. Based on that review and additional community engagement, the Project Team will propose zoning changes for public review prior to consideration by the Board of Commissioners.

Stage 4 – Finalization & Adoption
(Target: Early 2027)

Completion of the updated ordinance and formal consideration by the Board of Commissioners.

Steering Committee and Project Team

To guide the process, the Board has appointed a Steering Committee to serve as the link between our technical experts and the community, ensuring the project remains inclusive, transparent, and accountable.

In January 2025, the Board of Commissioners engaged FHI Studio (now part of IMEG) to handle the technical work and guide the process. Their responsibilities include reorganizing and clarifying the existing ordinance, correcting errors and inconsistencies, introducing new standards where needed, and managing a comprehensive public engagement process. That process will include surveys, workshops, and walking tours so that residents and stakeholders have a direct voice in shaping the final product.

Ultimately, the Steering Committee and Project Team will present their recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for final review and consideration.

Suzanna Barucco, Historical Commission

David Burman, Township Manager

Angelo Capuzzi, Planning Commission / Discover Haverford

Maggie Dobbs, Planning Commission 

Sherry Forste Grupp, Commissioner (2nd Ward)

Brian Gondek, Commissioner (1st Ward)

Gerry Hart, Commissioner (8th Ward)

Jaime Jilozian, Director of Community Development

Kevin McCloskey, Commissioner (3rd Ward)

Jonathan Mount, Zoning Officer

Jesse Pointon, Zoning Hearing Board

Stay Involved

Haverford Township is committed to ensuring this update reflects the community’s shared vision. The process will be inclusive and collaborative, with opportunities for residents, business owners, and community partners to participate.

We want your input every step of the way. Watch this website for updates on:

  • Public meetings and workshops

  • Surveys and feedback opportunities

  • Draft documents and proposed changes

If you would like to contact us directly about this process, please send an email to info@haverfordzoning.com or call 610-446-1000.