Bristol, PA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Bristol Borough's Zoning Ordinance sets minimum yards district by district. Section 27-305, Subsection 6 covers the R-1 Residential District and applies to each use in it, except as specifically provided elsewhere in Chapter 27.

For a single-family detached dwelling and for a semi-detached dwelling (twin), the table prints a front yard of 10 feet, a side yard of 20 feet total with no less than 5 feet on one side, and a rear yard of 25 feet. Any other use in R-1 carries a 20 foot front yard, a 10 foot side yard and a 25 foot rear yard. Note 1 to the table states that the front yard is the depth at which the minimum lot width is measured.

The exceptions that soften those numbers sit in § 27-404, which Note 2 of the table points to. Under Subsection 2E, front yards run along all portions of a corner lot that abut any street, unless a different yard fits the prevailing yard pattern on adjoining lots, and that yard cannot be less than 10 feet. Under Subsection 2F, the front and rear yards of a lot between two lots that each have a principal building within 20 feet of the lot can drop to the depth of the greater of the two adjoining lots, but never below 10 feet. Subsection 2D lets a through lot use a different front yard when it matches the prevailing pattern on adjoining lots.

Some features can project into a required yard under Subsection 2G. Bay windows, chimneys, uncovered stairs, eaves and similar architectural features can extend not more than three feet into a required side, front or rear yard. Patios must stay at least two feet from an adjacent property line in side and rear yards, and at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way line in a front yard. The R-1A district in § 27-306 has a separate table, so confirm the district on the Official Zoning Map before relying on these R-1 numbers.