Bristol Township, PA Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)
Key Facts
- Junked vehicles
- Nuisance if stored outdoors more than seven days
- Vehicle repair
- Only inside an approved enclosed structure
- Bamboo
- Barred from spreading onto neighboring property
- Notice period
- Not less than 10 days to abate or request a hearing
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 plus costs per offense
- Cleanup charge
- Abatement costs plus 10% penalty, then lien
Summary
Bristol Township Code § 134-2 lists the nuisance conditions that draw notices: junk and debris accumulations, junked or unlicensed vehicles left outside more than seven days, and spreading bamboo. The Township sends written notice with at least 10 days to fix it, then fines up to $1,000 plus costs.
M. Any unsightly or malodorous accumulation of junk, garbage, animal feces, broken glass, scrap automobile parts, mattresses, broken stone or cement, crates, barrels, boxes, scrap metal, scrap lumber, used tires, discarded building material, appliances or fixtures, or dismantled machinery on public or private property unless the property is in lawful use for junk storage or recycling in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and Township ordinances. N. Any partially dismantled, wrecked, junked, discarded, disabled, inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle which is parked, kept or stored on any exterior property for more than seven days ... A vehicle is permitted to undergo repair, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes. ... Any property owner or resident who has planted or maintains Bamboo shall be required to take such measures as are reasonably expected to prevent such Bamboo from invading or growing onto adjoining or neighboring properties.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 134, Nuisances, was adopted by the Board of Commissioners (now Township Council) of Bristol Township on 9-18-1985 as Ord. No. 1103, and § 134-2, Nuisances enumerated, was amended on 11-20-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-04. The list applies to any public or private property and is expressly not conclusive, so conditions that meet the § 134-1 definition of nuisance (anything that injures the comfort, repose, health or safety of others, is offensive to the senses, or tends to depreciate the value of the property of others) can be cited even if unlisted.
Three entries are the most practical for residents. Subsection M covers any unsightly or malodorous accumulation of junk, garbage, animal feces, broken glass, scrap automobile parts, mattresses, broken stone or cement, crates, barrels, boxes, scrap metal, scrap lumber, used tires, discarded building material, appliances or fixtures, or dismantled machinery, unless the property is in lawful use for junk storage or recycling. Subsection N covers any partially dismantled, wrecked, junked, discarded, disabled, inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle parked, kept or stored on exterior property for more than seven days, and a vehicle can be repaired only inside a structure or enclosed area designed and approved for that purpose. Subsection O makes it a nuisance to grow Bamboo so that it spreads onto a neighboring property, and requires the owner to install impenetrable sheathing at sufficient depth along the property line.
Other listed items include grass and/or weeds over 10 inches (A), stagnant water (K), pits or excavations left exposed for 24 hours or longer (E), obnoxious odors (F), and unnecessary noises including animal noises (G).
Under § 134-4, the Managing Director or another designated officer gives written notice to the owner, occupant or person responsible. Section 134-5 requires an abatement order of not less than 10 days or a hearing request within 10 days of receipt, followed by a citation through the District Justice if the nuisance continues.
Violations & Fines
Under § 134-7, a violation is punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment, imprisonment not to exceed 30 days for each offense. Each day a violation continues after notification is a separate offense. If the nuisance is still present 30 days after the District Justice's finding, the Township abates it and charges costs plus a 10% penalty under § 134-8, secured by a lien under § 134-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an inoperative vehicle sit outside in Bristol Township?
What happens after I get a nuisance notice?
Is bamboo regulated in Bristol Township?
Is the nuisance list limited to what is printed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol Township
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