Bristol Township, PA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Use classification
- Use D14 Veterinary Office or Clinic
- Outside kennel and run setback
- 200 feet from any lot line
- Kennel as primary use
- Never allowed
- TC Town Center Overlay
- Outside dog runs and kennels prohibited
- Permitted by right in
- C Commercial and CN Neighborhood Commercial Districts
- Maximum civil judgment
- $500 per day plus costs and attorney fees
Summary
In Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, a veterinary office with an associated kennel is Use D14 under the Township Council's zoning ordinance. Outside animal shelters, kennels and runs must sit at least 200 feet from every lot line, and a kennel can never be the primary use of the property.
(14) D14 Veterinary Office or Clinic. Office of a veterinarian with associated animal kennel. In no event shall animal kennels be allowed as a primary use. (a) No outside animal shelter, kennels or runs shall be located closer than 200 feet from any lot line. (b) In the TC Town Center (Overlay) District, regardless of the underlying zoning district, outside dog runs and kennels shall be prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 205 of the Bristol Township Code defines Use D14 as the office of a veterinarian with an associated animal kennel, and § 205-16 adds that in no event shall animal kennels be allowed as a primary use. A clinic in Bristol Township has to operate as a veterinary practice first, with kennel space as an accessory feature.
Subsection (a) sets the outdoor standard: no outside animal shelter, kennel or run can be located closer than 200 feet from any lot line. The measurement runs to every lot line, not only the street frontage. That is a longer distance than the 150 feet Use D26 requires between a commercial kennel's animal shelter or run and any street line or property line. Use D26 is the separate classification for an establishment where six or more dogs, cats or domestic pets are housed, bred, boarded, trained or sold, and it needs a minimum site area of two acres.
Subsection (b) is stricter inside the TC Town Center (Overlay) District. Regardless of the underlying zoning district, outside dog runs and kennels are prohibited there, so a clinic in that overlay keeps its animals indoors.
The district lists decide where a clinic can open. Use D14 is named among the uses permitted by right in the C Commercial District (§ 205-36) and in the CN Neighborhood Commercial District (§ 205-41). No other district list in Chapter 205 names it, and the residence districts do not carry it. Section 205-16 was last amended on 12-18-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-05, according to the amendment note printed at its head.
Violations & Fines
The Zoning Officer enforces Chapter 205 under § 205-204 by sending an enforcement notice to the owner of record. The notice gives five days to commence steps to comply and 30 days to complete them, unless the Zoning Officer extends the time in writing. Under § 205-205, a person found liable in a civil enforcement proceeding pays a judgment of not more than $500 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees for each day of violation. Each day that a violation continues is a separate violation. The recipient can appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days of the notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can a kennel run be to a neighbor's lot line at a Bristol Township vet clinic?
Can I open a boarding kennel in Bristol Township without a veterinary practice?
Which zoning districts allow a veterinary clinic in Bristol Township?
How long does a clinic owner have to appeal a zoning enforcement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol Township
Compare Bristol Township to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
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