Bristol, PA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Bristol Borough's Zoning Ordinance sets coverage limits district by district, and § 27-305, Subsection 5 governs the R-1 Residential District. One table applies to each use in the district and lists minimum lot area, minimum lot width, maximum building coverage, maximum impervious surface ratio and maximum building height together.

For a single-family detached dwelling the table prints a minimum lot area of 4,500 square feet per dwelling unit, a minimum lot width of 45 feet, maximum building coverage of 40 percent, a maximum impervious surface ratio of 50 percent and a maximum building height of 35 feet. A semi-detached dwelling (twin) is allowed 3,500 square feet per dwelling unit and a 30 foot lot width, with the same 40 percent building coverage and 50 percent impervious surface ratio, and the same 35 foot height. Any other use needs a 5,000 square foot lot that is 50 feet wide, and is capped at 30 percent building coverage and a 40 percent impervious surface ratio.

Impervious surface is a separate, larger limit than building coverage. Driveways, patios and walks count against the impervious figure even when no roof covers them. Note 1 to the table says the lot area is counted per dwelling unit for residential uses, and Note 2 says lot width is measured at the minimum front yard listed in Subsection 6 for the particular use.

Condominium ownership does not avoid the limits. Section 27-404, Subsection 1C requires impervious surface limits per lot and building coverage limits per lot to be met for each unit, building and use, even if individual lots are not created and sold separately. The adjoining R-1A district in § 27-306 carries its own separate table, so the R-1 percentages cannot be borrowed for a property in another district. Check the Official Zoning Map to confirm the district first.