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.
New Opportunities to Participate Now Available!
Project Overview
Phase 1: Reformatting & Initial Updates (Complete): 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 is complete and focused on technical reformatting and improving document usability. This initial stage involved reorganizing the existing ordinance to be more user-friendly through updated definitions, new illustrations, and clearer tables. While this phase did not involve major policy shifts, it established a consistent foundation for future revisions.
Phase 2: Substantive Updates (In Progress): 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. More information about what will be address in Phase 2 is available here. 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 (more here). 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.