Business Licensing & Operations in Bristol, PA (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Bristol, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
No one can operate an adult business in Bristol Borough without a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer. The permit needs a nonrefundable fee set by Borough Council resolution, a truthful application, and a premises that passes building, fire, electrical, plumbing, health and zoning inspections. Permits run one year.
Adult Business Permit Rules in Bristol Borough, PA
Significant RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 13-604
§ 13-604. Adult Business Permit Required. ... 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct, or carry a permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises within the Borough the operation of an adult business unless the person first obtains and continues to maintain in full force and effect a permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer as required by this...
Massage Establishments
In Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, massage therapy is a defined zoning use in § 27-320: an establishment whose primary business purpose is treating the superficial parts of a patron by rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating. The Code lists it as a special exception in the HC-1 and HC-2 districts, with carve-outs for licensed professionals.
Bristol Borough Massage Therapy Establishment Zoning
Significant RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 27-320, Subsection 4S
S. Massage Therapy. An establishment which has as its primary business purpose the treating of the superficial parts of a patron for medical, hygienic, exercise or relaxation purposes by rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating with hands, feet or any instrument. Provided, however, that this definition shall not include any business establishment operated by or e...
Pawnbrokers
In Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, a pawn shop must be located no less than 1,000 feet from any residential use or district, school, place of worship, day care center, recreation facility, public park, check cashing facility or another pawn shop. Convenience-type sales are capped at 250 square feet of floor area. The Zoning Code permits Use 4V by right in the HC-1 district.
Bristol Borough Pawn Shop Location and Operating Rules
Significant RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 27-320, Subsection 4V
V. Pawn Shop (Pawnbroking). (1) A business engaged in: (a) Lending of money on the deposit or pledge of personal property, securities, or written evidences of indebtedness. (b) Purchasing personal property with an expressed or implied agreement or understanding to sell it back at a subsequent time at a stipulated price. (c) Lending money upon goods, wares, or merchandise pledged, stored, deposi...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Bristol Borough bans lubricating, oil changes, repairs, servicing and engine or drive train dismantling of any motor vehicle on a street, alley, public place or highway. Only emergency road service, washing, waxing and tire changes are allowed there. Home occupations carry separate zoning limits on outdoor storage, vehicles and floor area.
Vehicle Repair on Streets and Home Business Limits in Bristol Borough, PA
Significant RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 21-141
No person, firm or corporation shall lubricate, change oil, repair or service any motor vehicle, or dismantle any vehicle engine, drive train or parts thereof upon any street, alley, public place, or highway located within the Borough of Bristol; provided, however, emergency road service shall be permitted and washing, waxing and changing of tires shall also be permitted.
Towing Companies
In Bristol Borough, vehicles removed and impounded under Chapter 15 can be towed only by approved storage garages designated by Borough Council. Each garage must show a bond or liability insurance, and must charge only the towing and storage schedule Borough Council approves. Owners reclaim a vehicle by paying those charges plus a $50 fee.
Bristol Borough, PA Towing and Approved Storage Garage Rules
Some RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 15-604
Removal and impounding of vehicles under this chapter shall be done only by "approved storage garages" that shall be designated from time to time by Borough Council. Every such garage shall submit evidence to Borough Council that it is bonded or has acquired liability insurance in an amount satisfactory to Borough Council as sufficient to indemnify owners of impounded vehicles against loss or d...
Looking for Bucks County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bristol city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Bucks County →