Haverford, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Chapter 157, Article III of the Haverford Township Code governs excavations, openings and occupancy of the public right-of-way. Section 157-21 defines STREET to include the entire right-of-way of a public street, highway, alley, way, road or public easement within the Township, so the permit reaches past the pavement. Under § 157-22, a permit is required to open or excavate a street for pipes, sewers, drains, conduits or poles, and also whenever any construction material or debris is to be placed in the street. The Township can attach reasonable conditions to protect public safety, the structural integrity of the streets and other users, and to minimize disruption to the traveling public. No permit issues to an applicant who still owes the Township money for earlier excavations or damage.

Section 157-23 requires a written application on the Board of Commissioners' form, filed with the Township Secretary, listing the applicant's name and address, the purpose and a narrative of the work, the time and location, a drawing of the site, and anything else the Township Engineer requires. The applicant assumes all liability for damages and agrees to indemnify the Township. Section 157-24 requires a bond equal to the cost of restoration, posted as cash, letter of credit or performance bond, and insurance from A-rated companies with $500,000 for each occurrence for comprehensive liability and $500,000 per occurrence for personal injury. Both are waived where a resident owner personally repairs a driveway, driveway apron, curb or sidewalk, or where a Township franchisee's agreement provides the guarantees.

Section 157-25 splits the fee into an application fee, street degradation fee, pole fee, occupancy fee and traffic management fee, all set on the Township Schedule of Fees. The Township Engineer must approve any tunnel or any break in a cement-concrete road, and must consent in writing before a permit area is closed to traffic (§ 157-26). Permittees furnish flags, barricades and amber lights lit from sunset to sunrise (§ 157-27), give owners at least five days' written notice for excavation on a lawn area, and must start within 30 days of issuance (§ 157-28). Work runs from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. under § 157-29. A permit confers no permanent right to keep a structure in place: § 157-31 lets the Engineer require relocation, and the Department of Public Works can remove it at the permittee's cost. Emergency utility repairs may begin without a permit if the application and fee follow within 48 hours (§ 157-31.3).