Haverford, PA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Chapter 182 sets lot coverage in two separate numbers for every residential district, both printed in the area and bulk regulations. Building coverage is defined in § 182-106 as the footprint of a building, and attached decks, measured by the horizontal cross section at its greatest outside dimensions, excluding cornices, steps, awnings, eaves, gutters or chimneys and overhangs projecting not more than 18 inches. Impervious surface is a surface that does not absorb rainwater, including all buildings, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks and any areas in concrete or asphalt, plus other areas the Township Engineer determines to be impervious. The impervious surface ratio is measured by dividing the total area of all impervious surfaces within a site by the net site area.

In the R-1 Low-Density Residential District, § 182-202C(4) sets building coverage at 15% maximum and § 182-202C(9) sets impervious surface ratio at 30% maximum. The R-1A District matches the R-1 figures at 15% and 30% (§ 182-203C). The R-2 District allows 20% building coverage and 40% impervious surface ratio (§ 182-204C). The R-3 District allows 30% and 45% (§ 182-205C), and the R-4 and R-5 Districts also list 30% and 45%. The R-6 District lists 40% building coverage and 65% impervious surface ratio in its first standard.

The impervious surface ratio provisions were added by Ord. No. 2189 on 12-13-1993. Each area and bulk list applies except in the case of a plan for special residential development, which must comply with § 182-721. A zoning permit is required before the erection, construction, structural alteration or enlargement of any building or structure (§ 182-902A), and the Zoning Officer issues permits only for construction that conforms to Chapter 182 (§ 182-901B(2)).