Bristol Township, PA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Section 205-16G(2)(d) of the Bristol Township Code, part of the zoning chapter enacted by Township Council, names storage sheds, bathhouses, private greenhouses and non-permanent or collapsible storage tents as residential accessory buildings under Use G2. Each one must be located in the required side and/or rear yard, not less than three feet from any property line. The text names only those two yards, so the front yard is not an option under this use.

The permit exemption is a four-part test in subsection [1]. An accessory building needs no building permit only if the structure is no more than 100 square feet, is not on a permanent foundation, is provided with neither electric nor plumbing, and has no windows on any side of the structure when it is located within the required side or rear yard. Fail any one of the four and the exemption is gone, so the ordinary building permit requirement applies.

Subsection [2] sets a separate track for structures that are collapsible, not constructed in a permanent nature, and outside building code regulation. They cannot exceed 250 square feet, they must sit on top of stone or other foundation rather than grass or dirt, and they must be securely anchored into the ground. Subsection [3] says metal cargo containers are not permitted as accessory buildings and structures. Subsection [4] bars portable storage containers as accessory buildings except as provided in subpart G.8, the temporary structure or use provision.

Height is capped in subsection (h): storage sheds, bathhouses and private greenhouses shall not exceed 12 feet in height, and garages shall not exceed 16 feet. Use G2 is permitted by right in the R-1 District under § 205-22 and in the R-2 District under § 205-25, so a homeowner in those districts does not need a special exception for a shed.