Haverford, PA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 138-21 of the Haverford Township Code sets the one numeric weed limit in the property maintenance chapter: it is unlawful for any person to permit any weeds to grow in excess of eight inches in height on any premises, improved or vacant, or on any open lot or alley in the Township of Haverford. The words improved or vacant matter. A homeowner with a house on the lot is covered the same way as the owner of an empty parcel, and the rule reaches open lots and alleys as well.

The section sits in Article II of Chapter 138, which deals with control of rodents, so it is enforced through that article's penalty section. Section 138-22 provides for summary conviction before a Magisterial District Justice, with a fine not exceeding $1,000 and costs of prosecution and, in default of one payment of the fine and costs, up to 30 days in the county jail. Each day in violation is a separate offense. Article I of the same chapter, Brush, Grass and Weeds, adopted on October 13, 1924 as Ord. No. 232, uses a different penalty section, § 138-4, which carries the same $1,000 fine but up to 90 days in the county jail, with fines payable to the Township Treasurer.

Article I covers tall grass without a number. Section 138-1 makes it unlawful for an owner or person in possession of vacant land or a lot in the vicinity of buildings to permit it to be covered with tall grasses or weeds. Section 138-2 makes it unlawful to permit trees, hedges or tall grasses to grow along the sidewalks in front of a lot so as to obstruct the use of the sidewalks or highways. Where tall grass or weeds obstruct public travel on sidewalks or roadways, § 138-5 lets the Director of Health or the Director of Public Works notify the owner or occupier to remove the growth within five days, and the Township can do the work and charge the labor cost plus a penalty of 10%, collected by action or by a municipal lien against the property.

For a Haverford Township lawn, the practical measure is the printed eight inches. Weeds above that height on improved property are the subject of § 138-21, while the five-day notice and cost recovery in § 138-5 are tied to fire hazards, obstruction of travel and obstruction of street lighting.