Haverford, PA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Article II of Chapter 78 of the Haverford Township Code, adopted 11-12-2024 as Ord. No. 3000-2024, governs stormwater. Section 78-31 requires any applicant whose project is not exempt under § 78-18 to submit a stormwater management (SWM) site plan consistent with the applicable watershed plan. The criteria apply to the whole development even if it is built in stages. Applicants must design to minimize surface discharge and impervious surfaces, preserve natural flow conditions, and follow the sequencing in § 78-35. Techniques in Appendix E (Low-Impact Development) and green infrastructure are to be prioritized, and designers use the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, with the most restrictive standard controlling in a conflict.

A new concentrated discharge onto or through neighboring land triggers a further requirement in § 78-31(V): a drainage easement or other legal agreement, and a conveyance designed to avoid erosion, flooding or other damage. Approval of an SWM site plan lasts a maximum of five years, and the township can set a shorter term (§ 78-32). Permanent BMPs carry operation and maintenance duties under §§ 78-48 through 78-55, and § 78-56 covers prohibited discharges and connections.

The township can enter property on presentation of credentials to inspect controls and BMPs, and an owner who does not grant access within 24 hours of notification commits a violation (§ 78-60). The Township Engineer handles inspections, and an occupancy permit is not issued without the certification of completion (§ 78-66). Anyone aggrieved by township action can appeal to the Board of Commissioners within 30 days, then to the County Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the Board's decision (§ 78-67).