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several major steps, including reviewing, updating, and reorganizing the ordinance for clarity, identifying missing or outdated standards, and introducing new provisions to address priorities outlined in the Comprehensive Plan (Haverford 2035), such as mixed-use development,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

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.

Rezoning Process 

The zoning update will go through a structured two-phase process; the Township will first improve the document's usability before moving on to substantive policy updates based on direct public feedback. The Township is currently working on Phase 1:Reformatting & Initial Updates. Those interested in receiving email updates, can sign up by adding their email to Subscribe at the bottom of the contact page or home page.

Phase 1 – Reformatting & Initial Updates (In Progress)

Technical Work

The Township is currently working on the 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.

Engagement

• The Township has held two Zoning 101 meetings that presented an overview of zoning and provided key background information that will inform the process. A recording of one of those meetings can be found on the Participate page.

• The Township has held two planning commission meetings to discuss the draft. Recordings of those meetings can be found on the Participate page.

• A third planning commission meeting is scheduled for June 11th, 2026.

• Residents and stakeholders will also have an opportunity to provide input when the Board of Commissioners meets to consider adoption. Please sign up for email updates to get notifications about the meeting.

Please visit the Documents page to review the drafts and supporting information as well as how to submit comments.

Phase 2 – Substantive Ordinance Changes (Pending)

Technical Work

Once the Township has adopted a re-organized ordinance, it will begin work on substantive changes to advance the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. This will include updates to the commercial zones and exploring the proposed mixed-use districts. As part of this effort, we will review existing land uses against current zoning. We will also 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 work will also focus on updating and adding key supplemental use, development, and building standards. 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.

Engagement

The substantive updates will be accompanied by a public engagement process. The following outlines the current engagement plan. However, the Township may adjust its engagement strategy in response to the technical work as well as community needs.

Public Workshops

The Township has contracted for three public meetings related to the substantive updates. The first meeting will focus on gathering community input and presenting key findings from the technical analysis. A second meeting will focus on a framework of proposed zoning changes. The third meeting will focus on presenting proposed changes.

Meetings will be interactive sessions that will explore different technical zoning questions, including adjustments to permitted uses, bulk and height standards, as well as supplemental uses.

Walking Tours

The Township will host a limited set of guided tours of specific areas in the Township to assess current conditions and discuss future possibilities. The walking tours will focus on the commercial and mixed-use zones that are identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Space for the walking tours will be limited and those interested in participating should make sure to sign up for project updates so they are notified when those tours will be conducted.

Online Survey

While public meetings are excellent ways of gathering in-person feedback, not everyone has time to attend a meeting. The Township will release a survey that will allow those unable to attend the first workshop the opportunity to provide their input.

Email Comments

Throughout the process, you should feel free to send the project team emails at info@haverfordzoning.com. You can also use the form on the contact page. While we cannot promise to questions directly, we will take any suggestions or questions under advisement. If you have specific comments about the ordinance, we strongly encourage you to reference section numbers so we can review your comment in context.

Planning and Commissioner Meetings

Once the Township has a draft of the ordinance, it will begin the adoption process. As part of that process, the Township will host Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners meetings during which time the public will have an opportunity to provide comment and feedback.

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.