Project Introduction
Zoning affects what gets built in our community – from the size of homes and businesses to the amount of green space we choose to preserve. For the first time in decades, Haverford Township is undertaking a comprehensive update of its zoning ordinance. The update will develop clearer rules that are easier to use and better suited to the priorities developed in the Comprehensive Plan (Haverford 2035), including sustainability, walkability, neighborhood character, and economic vitality.
This website is your guide to the process and includes updates, resources, and ways to share your feedback. By engaging residents, business owners, and community partners, we can ensure the new zoning ordinance reflects our shared vision for the future.
The Reorganization Draft is Ready for Review!
The Township has released the Chapter 182 Zoning - Reorganization Draft for public comment. This is a major milestone in making our rules easier to understand.
What you can review now:
Executive Summary: A high-level overview of what has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to common questions about this draft.
Supporting Documentation: A detailed report explaining the technical background of these updates.
How to get involved:
Visit the Documents page to read the draft and see the Planning Commission presentations (PPTs).
Submit your comments via email to info@haverfordzoning.com.
Attend the next Planning Commission meeting on June 11th, 2026. We strongly encourage you to send your comments before the meeting to info@haverfordzoning.com.
Project Overview
The following summarizes the detailed project summary presented on the about page.
Phase 1: Reformatting & Initial Updates (Happening Now): The Township is undertaking a structured two-phase zoning update designed to modernize its regulatory framework and align it with long-term policy goals. Phase 1, currently in progress, focuses on technical reformatting and improving document usability. This initial stage involves reorganizing the existing ordinance to be more user-friendly through updated definitions, new illustrations, and clearer tables. While this phase does not involve major policy shifts, it establishes a consistent foundation for future revisions. The community has already begun participating through "Zoning 101" meetings and Planning Commission sessions, with opportunities for input continuing through the Board of Commissioners' adoption process.
Phase 2: Modernizing the Rules (Coming Soon): Phase 2 will shift toward substantive ordinance changes that directly advance the goals of the Township’s Comprehensive Plan. This stage will involve a deep dive into commercial and mixed-use districts, evaluating current land-use standards to ensure they support the community's vision for growth and development. To ensure these changes reflect local needs, the Township has planned an extensive engagement strategy including interactive public workshops, guided walking tours of key commercial areas, and an interactive, online survey. This collaborative approach allows residents to provide feedback on specific standards, such as building heights and permitted uses, before the final draft moves toward formal adoption.