Haverford, PA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Article XIII of the Haverford Township zoning chapter covers historic preservation. Its definition of a historic resource reaches buildings, sites, structures, fixtures, monuments, landscapes and objects that qualify under § 182-1304. The Historic Resource Survey is deemed an overlay on every zoning district (§ 182-1303), and where the article conflicts with the underlying district, the article supersedes it.

The Survey lists resources from the 1994 Township Survey, resources individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contributing resources in a National Register district, resources with a determination of eligibility from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and resources the Board of Commissioners adds, on the Historical Commission's recommendation, for historical, cultural, aesthetic or architectural significance. Any owner, Township resident, governmental body or civic association can nominate a resource. Owners of the property and of all tracts within 100 feet, plus anyone who asked, receive written notice at least 10 days before both the Historical Commission meeting and the Board hearing.

Demolition is the controlled act. Section 182-1306 bars demolition by neglect and requires a Board permit for demolition in whole or in part, including stripping significant architectural features. The application must include a structural engineer's report, a certified appraisal, a historic resource impact study, and documentation of efforts to sell the resource in the preceding three years. The Township Manager or Zoning Officer forwards the application within three working days. The Historical Commission reviews it within 30 days and can extend review by 90 days. The Board decides at a public meeting within 30 days of the Commission's written report, and a denial is issued in writing within 45 days of the hearing. An approved demolition requires recording of the resource at the applicant's expense, and the Board can require a historical marker designed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.