Haverford, PA Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Host liability clause
- Knowingly permitting tumultuous conduct on premises under your control (§ 128-3H)
- Conduct covered
- Violent, tumultuous, offensive or obstreperous conduct
- Police orders
- Refusing a lawful police order is separately disorderly (§ 128-3L)
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 plus costs
- Jail on default
- Not more than 90 days
- Park gatherings
- Permit needed above 15 persons (§ 126-5E)
Summary
Haverford Township's disorderly conduct ordinance bars violent, tumultuous, offensive or obstreperous conduct, and it also bars knowingly permitting that conduct on premises you own, possess or control. A host can be charged for what happens at the party. The fine is up to $1,000.
H. Disturbing or tending to disturb or aiding in disturbing the peace of others by violent, tumultuous, offensive or obstreperous conduct, nor shall any person knowingly permit such conduct upon any premises owned or possessed by him or under his control.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 128, Article I of the Haverford Township Code prohibits disorderly conduct and acts disturbing the peace within the limits of the Township (§ 128-1). Section 128-3H declares it disorderly to disturb or tend to disturb or aid in disturbing the peace of others by violent, tumultuous, offensive or obstreperous conduct, and adds that no person shall knowingly permit such conduct upon any premises owned or possessed by him or under his control. That second clause is the host-liability rule: a homeowner, tenant or event organizer who knows what is going on and allows it can be charged along with the people causing the disturbance.
The definition in § 128-2 gives the rule its reach. Disorderly conduct includes any act, word or conduct causing or tending to cause a disturbance of the peace and good order of the Township, or any danger, discomfort or annoyances to inhabitants or users of the Township thoroughfares, and the listed examples include fighting, drunkenness, profanity, and the making of unnecessary noises, clamor or din. The definition also says all noises are considered unnecessary if made on Sunday or on weekdays during hours other than the usual and customary hours for such work or activity, even if no louder than is customary.
Other enumerated items in § 128-3 come up at parties. Subsection C covers radios, phonographs, television sets and other mechanical instruments, singing, shouting or musical instruments, and subsection L makes it disorderly to refuse or fail in a prompt, obedient manner to obey any lawful order of any police officer. So a host who is told by an officer to turn it down has a separate exposure if the order is ignored.
The Township has no separate party-registration or noise-permit scheme in these sections. Large gatherings in a park have their own rule: § 126-5E requires a permit from the Township Secretary for parties or gatherings in excess of 15 persons. Enforcement belongs to the Haverford Township Police Department, and the prosecution is a summary proceeding.
Violations & Fines
Section 128-4 provides that a violator, whether person, firm or corporation, upon summary conviction before a District Justice of the Peace, pays a fine not exceeding $1,000 and costs of prosecution. In default of one payment of the fine and costs, the violator can be sentenced to the county jail for a term of not more than 90 days. Each day in violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Haverford Township homeowner be charged for a loud party?
What is the penalty for a disorderly party in Haverford Township?
Does ignoring a police officer at a party add to the problem?
Is there a set quiet hour for parties in Haverford Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Haverford
Compare Haverford to another location·View the Pennsylvania public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.