BOC Icon Overview

The Building & Codes Department is responsible for the protection of persons and property within the Township through the general administration and enforcement of building and related structural and land use codes. This involves reviewing and issuing construction permits, regulation of rental properties, property maintenance enforcement and the inspection of work for compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and the Code of Haverford Township.

BOC Icon Haverford Township's Online Permit & License Center

Find online permit link here (opens in a new tab) Link for Licenses (opens in a new tab)

This provides our residents with the ability to submit permit and license applications on-line from the comfort of their homes.

At this time, this system provides the ability to submit Residential Applications Only. As we continue to expand our offering through this system, we will be adding the ability to submit all permit and license types. So please check back often for new offerings.

To submit an application, you must create an account. This allows you to see the status of your application and provides the ability for the township to communicate with you within a secure environment.


Permit and license applications currently being accepted online include:

  • Plumbing
  • Roofing & Siding
  • Fences
  • Sheds
  • Rental Housing Licenses
  • Contractor Licenses
  • BOC Icon Contractor

    Contractors performing work in Haverford Township must be licensed with the Township.

    Contractor Applications Links:

    BOC Icon Haverford Township Permit Requirements

    *NO PERMIT APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT THE FOLLOWING*
  • Signed contract between property owner and contractor
  • Current Haverford Township contractor's license for plumbing and electrical contractors, Pa hic licenses & certificate of insurance with workers comp for all contractors on job site. Certificate holder must be Haverford Township.
  • Insurance certification including workers compensation or self-employed affidavit
  • Estimated cost of work – (separate for each permit application)
  • all permit fee(s) must be submitted at once with a check written for the correct amount
  • For residential additions

  • A plot plan drawn to an accurate scale, with property markers shown; improvements to property are to be shown
  • Building coverage ( % of the lot occupied by all buildings ) and impervious surface ratio ( % of lot occupied by buildings, driveways, patio/walk-ways ) must be given. As well as a calculation sheet for impervious surface and building coverage
  • An additional $50 check is required for all grading applications; as well as an $1000 escrow check for engineer review, these checks are to be separate from permit cost(s)

  • Insurance certificates can be faxed to (484)-454-4186 or emailed to lisa@havtwp.org

    BOC Icon Haverford Township Public Shade Tree Permit

    General Regulations
    Public Shade Tree Permit Application Link
  • A permit is required to plant, prune, remove or spray a public shade tree, including any tree in or upon any public park, property, street, highway and/or avenue, or that part of any tree extending over those areas.
  • Every property owner of trees standing on private property shall keep such trees trimmed so that the minimum clearance of any branches that overhang any public walks is 12-feet for mature trees and 9-feet for newly planted trees, and the minimum clearance where branches overhang any public street, highway and/or avenue is 14 feet. No permit is necessary to meet this requirement.
  • Likewise, no permit is necessary to trim or prune shrubs and bushes within the public area, remove or cut off low hanging or broken branches of trees which create or may create a public nuisance or danger; or carry out normal repair, upkeep, minor pruning and trimming.

  • Tree Replacement Formula
  • For trees that are less than 30 inches in diameter, applicant shall replant one inch of new tree diameter for every four inches of existing tree diameter removed. Replacement trees shall have a minimum diameter of two inches.
  • For trees which are 30 inches or greater in diameter, applicant shall replant one inch of new tree diameter for every one inch of existing tree diameter removed. Replacement trees shall have a minimum diameter of at least two inches. View the entire Chapter 170 (Trees) at https://ecode360.com/12165204
  • BOC Icon Rental properties require annual licenses and an inspection prior to occupancy

    A fee of $60.00 per dwelling unit is required with the license application . All fees are due on or before March 1 each year or a penalty of $50.00 will be added, making the total due $110.00.

    The Housing License is for a 12-month period from March 1 to February 28.All occupants of the rental property must be listed on an occupancy registration form and submitted with the license application. A copy of the executed lease agreement must also be submitted.

    Before a tenant moves in or at the initial use of a residence as a rental, the property must be inspected.

    Each time the occupancy of the rental unit is changed, an inspection of the property is required to determine that the premises meet the health and safety requirements of the Township. A fee of $50.00 per unit is charged for each inspection and re-inspection. Failure to appear for a scheduled inspection is a $50.00 fee.

    Information for Rental Housing Licenses

    1. No more than three (3) unrelated people may reside in a rental house.
    2. Owner occupied units may not have more than one (1) roomer or boarder.
    3. Student housing is permitted only when authorized by the Township Zoning Hearing Board as a “special exception.”

    Apply for a rental housing license by filling out following application Rental Application Form

    The operation of a rental property is considered a business-activity for the purpose of the Township’s Business Privilege Tax. An annual business license should be applied for and an annual business tax return should be filed with the Township’s business tax administrator. All requests for forms and questions regarding the tax should be directed to:

    Tri-State Financial Group

    PO Box 38

    Bridgeport, PA 19405

    610-270-9520

    www.tfgtax.com

    Audit & Compliance Program

    The Township reserves the right to audit and inspect all books and records of a taxpayer to support the information reported on taxpayer filed returns.

    Contact Us

    Emails & Phone #:

    Permit Inspections & Complaints :

  • JCelia@havtwp.org @ ext 2270
  • Permits

  • LFavacchia@havtwp.org @ 2252
  • Rentals

  • BFahy@havtwp.org @ 2256
  • U&O Inspections

  • JErhart@havtwp.org @ 2210

  • *Fillable PDF Form Information:

    For more information on how to download, fill out, save and email fillable forms to the Township, please see the following link:Fillable Form Instructions