Environmental Rules in Bristol, PA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Bristol, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Chapter 26, Part 1 of the Bristol Borough Code, the Bristol Borough Stormwater Management Ordinance, regulates land development, subdivision, earth disturbance, new impervious surfaces and building additions, plus every discharge into the Borough's separate storm sewer system. Violations carry a fine of not more than $1,000 per violation.
Stormwater Management Rules in Bristol Borough, PA
Some RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 26-104
1. All regulated activities and all activities that may affect stormwater runoff, including land development and earth disturbance activity, are subject to regulation by this Part. 2. All discharges entering into the municipality's separate storm sewer system are subject to regulation by this Part. 3. The following activities are defined as "regulated activities" and shall be regulated by this ...
Erosion Control
Bristol Borough requires a plan showing how erosion and sediment will be controlled whenever land is permanently disturbed, and a grading permit for any disturbance of more than 5,000 square feet. Under § 9-112, graded surfaces must be seeded, sodded, planted or otherwise protected within 30 days, weather permitting, with temporary controls in place immediately.
Bristol Borough Erosion and Sediment Control Rules
Some RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 9-112
6. All graded surfaces shall be permanently seeded, sodded and/or planted or otherwise protected from erosion within 30 days, weather permitting, and shall be tended and/or maintained until growth, is well established. The disturbed area and duration of exposure shall be kept to a minimum using temporary erosion and sediment control measures immediately, as outlined in the "Erosion and Sediment...
Flood Zones
In Bristol Borough, no one may undertake construction or development anywhere in the Borough without a permit from the floodplain administrator, who is the Zoning Officer. Only minor repairs to existing buildings or structures are excused. Chapter 8 adopts the FEMA flood maps dated March 16, 2015, sets elevation and floodway standards, and fines violators from $100 to $600.
Bristol Borough Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 8-202
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any construction or development anywhere within the Borough of Bristol unless a permit has been obtained from the floodplain administrator. ... A permit shall not be required for minor repairs to existing buildings or structures.
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Bristol Borough bans running or idling the engine of a parked truck within 300 feet of a residential zone or district between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The rule is § 10-502, Subsection 1.E of the Borough Code, part of the Excessive Noise Part, and carries a fine of up to $1,000 plus costs.
Truck Engine Idling Rules in Bristol Borough, PA
Some RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 10-502
1. Prohibited noise, within the meaning of this Part, is hereby defined as follows: ... E. The running or idling of an engine of a parked truck within 300 feet of a residential zone or district between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Flood Elevation Requirements
In Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, new construction and substantial improvement in the identified floodplain must put the lowest floor, basement included, at or above the regulatory flood elevation. Chapter 8 defines that elevation as the base flood elevation plus a freeboard safety factor of 1 1/2 feet. Nonresidential buildings can floodproof instead of elevating.
Bristol Borough Flood Elevation and Freeboard Rules
Some RestrictionsBristol Borough Code § 8-502
1. Residential Structures. A. In AE, A1-30, and AH Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation. ... C. In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) at or above the highest adjacent grade and at least as high as the ...
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