Haverford, PA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Section 182-604, the FPC Floodplain Conservation Districts provision, makes it unlawful to construct, reconstruct, substantially improve, enlarge, alter or relocate any structure, including manufactured homes, or to undertake any other development of a structure or grounds within an identified one-hundred-year floodplain area or flood-prone area without an approved building permit from the Township Code Enforcement Office. The mapped area is the one in the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps prepared by FEMA for Community No. 420417, dated November 18, 2009, adopted by the Township as part of the chapter. Flood-prone land includes any area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.

The substantive rule in § 182-604F(1) is a prohibition: no construction, development, fill or other placement of an obstruction in an identified floodplain or flood-prone area. Repairs, improvements or modifications that amount to less than 50% of the market value are permitted, provided the work does not result in the horizontal expansion or enlargement of the structure. Repaired or replaced water and sanitary sewer systems must be designed to minimize flood damage, and no recreational vehicles are allowed in an identified floodplain area.

The Township Zoning Officer serves as the Floodplain Administrator. Permit applications go to that office in writing and, for new construction or substantial improvement, include an elevation certificate from a licensed professional engineer or land surveyor. The Administrator issues a placard that must be displayed on the premises while construction is in progress. Subdivision and development proposals of at least .50 lot or at least five acres in flood hazard areas without base flood elevation data need hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analyses. Variances cannot be granted for hospitals, nursing homes, jails or prisons, or for new manufactured home parks. A person who receives a violation notice can request a hearing before the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days, and the hearing starts no later than 60 days after the petition is filed.