Haverford Township roof and siding permits: a homeowner's guide

Do you need a permit?

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Havertown? Yes. Havertown is part of Haverford Township, and the Township requires a building permit for roofing and siding work. Roof applications include a Roof Permit Application Addendum describing existing layers, decking, slope, flashing and ventilation. The permit must be issued before work starts and posted where it can be seen from a public street.

The Township's Building & Codes page says construction permits are required for most types of work, lists "Roofing & Siding" among the applications it accepts online, and says contractors must be licensed with the Township. For small repairs, ask Building & Codes whether a permit is needed.

The re-roofing rules

All from the roof permit addendum.

Two layers maximum

The Township permits a maximum of two layers of shingles on a roof. If two are already there, both come off before a new roof goes on.

No roofing over slate, wood shake, clay or cement tile

A new roof can't be installed over wood shake, slate, clay, or cement or asbestos-cement tile. Those roofs are removed first. See slate roof replacement.

Wood-shingle roofs with a roof on top

If an existing wood-shingle roof has one or more roofs above it, all layers have to be removed and new sheathing applied.

Sheathing size

Minimum ½″ sheathing over rafters 16″ on center; rafters on 24″ centers need at least 5/8″ sheathing with H clips. The applicant also certifies that decayed sheathing will be replaced when the existing roof comes off.

Ice shield and drip edge

The addendum asks whether ice shield will be installed at least 24″ inside the exterior wall line, and whether drip edge will be installed.

Venting

One square foot of vent for every 150 square feet of attic floor, or one for every 300 when the venting is split between high and low positions as the addendum describes.

Low-slope roofs under 4:12

The addendum asks what low-slope system goes on any section under 4:12, and how it's flashed.

Can I put a new roof over my old one? That question is answered on our roof replacement page.

Who applies, and what goes with the application

Who pulls the roofing permit in Haverford Township, the homeowner or the roofer? Usually the roofer files it. Haverford Township's building permit application has the homeowner sign to name the contractor as their authorized agent, and it must include payment, proof of insurance and a copy of the signed contract. Pennsylvania's contract law doesn't require the contract to say who obtains permits, so ask for it in writing anyway.

The Township's Basic Submission Requirements (V-06-2025) for renovations and repairs list:

• completed applications submitted as a single packet;
• Pennsylvania home improvement contractor registration and certificates of insurance with workers' compensation for every contractor on the job, with Haverford Township as certificate holder;
• a signed contract between the property owner and the contractor; and
• fees, paid when the permit is submitted.

The same list asks for two sets of detailed drawings for renovations and repairs.

Street dumpsters and pods

Do I need a permit for a dumpster in the street in Haverford Township? Yes. A dumpster or storage pod placed in a Haverford Township street needs its own Public Works permit, separate from the roof permit. The Township lists the fee as $80 for the first day and $10 for each additional day. Applications go to [email protected]. The building permit application also asks whether a dumpster will sit in the street.

Source: Haverford Township Public Works. That email address is the Township's, not ours. For a dumpster in your own driveway, check with the Township.