Bristol's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Bristol, Pennsylvania, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Carport Rules

Bristol Borough regulates carports as accessory structures under Chapter 27 (Zoning). They must sit on the same lot as the principal dwelling, are not permitted in the required front yard, and must meet the side and rear yard setbacks for the underlying zoning district. A building permit is required and the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC) applies. Confirm exact setbacks with the Zoning Officer at 215-788-3828.

Key details: Zoning Chapter: Ch. 27. Construction Code: PA UCC (34 Pa. Code 401-405). Front Yard Carports: Not permitted. Side/Rear Setback: Per zoning district. Historic District: HARB review may apply.

Erecting a carport in the required front yard, encroaching on the side or rear setback for your zoning district under Chapter 27, building without a UCC permit, or skipping HARB review on a designated historic property can trigger Bristol Borough zoning enforcement, stop-work orders, and Property Maintenance Code penalties of $100-$1,000 per day under Ordinance 1200.

ADU Rules

Bristol Borough zoning (Ch. 27) does not appear to have specific ADU provisions. Zoning regulates permitted uses by district. Converting accessory structures to dwelling units would require zoning compliance. PA MPC allows but does not mandate ADUs.

Key details: ADU Provisions: Not specifically found. Zoning: Must conform to district uses. State Law: PA MPC allows, does not mandate. Contact: Planning & Zoning office.

Unpermitted dwelling unit: zoning violation. May require removal or reversal of conversion.

Compared to other cities, Bristol takes a harder line on adu rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Shed Rules

Bristol Borough Ch. 27 zoning regulates accessory structures by district. Building permits required under PA Construction Code Act (Act 45). Structures must meet zoning setbacks and dimensional requirements. Contact Code Enforcement for specific shed permit requirements.

Key details: Permit: Required under PA UCC. Setbacks: Per zoning district. Use: Incidental to principal use. Contact: Code Enforcement office.

Shed without permit: code enforcement violation. Non-compliant placement: correction or removal required.

Garage Conversions

Bristol Borough does not appear to have specific garage conversion provisions. Converting garage to dwelling unit likely not permitted under current zoning. Must maintain off-street parking requirements. PA UCC applies to all building modifications.

Key details: Dwelling Conversion: Likely not permitted. Non-Dwelling Use: Building permit required. Parking: Must maintain requirements. Building Code: PA UCC (Act 45).

Unpermitted conversion: code enforcement violation. Creating dwelling unit: zoning violation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Bristol's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Bristol is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Bristol, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Bristol can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.