Haverford, PA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Haverford Township Code § 182-731 governs seasonal outdoor dining in conjunction with a licensed, permitted restaurant. Subsection B applies when dining extends into the street right-of-way, which includes the public sidewalk, and it layers on top of the private-property rules in subsection A.

The permit comes first. Under § 182-731(B)(2) a highway occupancy permit is required, and the forms are available in the Department of Public Works. Before any furnishings, enclosures or other items go on a public sidewalk, the Township inspects the sidewalk to assure that the surface is level and free of defects or tripping hazards. All furnishings, planters, railings or enclosures must be approved by the Director of Public Works and must be properly weighted to prevent movement.

Pedestrian clearance is the core limit. Outdoor dining areas must provide not less than five contiguous feet of sidewalk clear of obstructions, with no abrupt turns or angles from property to property. At street corner intersections there must be a minimum of eight feet of unobstructed sidewalk, measured from the outside edge of handicapped ramps on each street frontage. The code's three-foot curb setback applies as well, and any unobstructed part of it counts toward the five-foot sidewalk area.

Furniture, planters, railings and fences must be removed from the sidewalk and stored indoors when outdoor dining is not in seasonal operation. No carpet, rug, artificial turf or platform is allowed, awnings must be secured and retractable, and umbrellas must be weighted. One hostess stand or menu board is allowed, and the menu board cannot exceed six square feet. Food and beverages in a right-of-way dining area must be served in nondisposable containers, and the presetting of tables is prohibited. The operator must cease operation within two days of notice that the Township is performing public works.

Subsection A also applies: dining runs from April 1 to October 31 only, between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., or 9:00 p.m. where the restaurant adjoins a residential use. Outdoor sound amplification and open-flame portable heaters are prohibited, and alcohol service is allowed only with food.