Bristol Township Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Bristol Township Zoning Overview
Bristol Township is a large township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, located along the Delaware River in the southeastern part of the state. With a population of approximately 53,382, it is one of the most populous municipalities in Bucks County. The township includes portions of the historic Levittown development, which brought rapid suburban growth in the 1950s and 1960s. Bristol Township's land use reflects this postwar suburban character, with large tracts of single-family homes, commercial corridors along Route 13 and Bristol Pike, and industrial areas near the Delaware River waterfront.
The township's zoning is administered by the Planning and Zoning Department. Bristol Township continues to manage the challenges of maintaining aging suburban infrastructure while accommodating new development and redevelopment opportunities, particularly along its commercial corridors and former industrial sites.
Key Zoning Districts
Bristol Township's zoning code includes residential districts R-1 (Low Density, 15,000 sq ft minimum lots) and R-2 (Medium Density, 10,000 sq ft minimum lots) for single-family and two-family dwellings, and R-3 for multi-family housing. Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial). The I (Industrial) district accommodates manufacturing and warehousing uses. Both R-1 and R-2 maintain a 35-foot height limit.
ADU Regulations
Bristol Township does not currently have confirmed ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) provisions. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU mandate. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling unit should contact the Planning and Zoning Department to discuss available options under the township's zoning ordinance.
Development Process
The Planning and Zoning Department processes development applications for Bristol Township. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variance requests and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivision and land development plans. All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Bristol Township and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Bristol Township at (215) 785-0500 or through the township code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bristol Township
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Bucks County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 15,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Bristol Township
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Bristol Township are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bristol Township permit fees →