Bristol, PA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fences and walls are a permitted residential accessory use under Use 7P(2) of Section 27-320 in the Bristol Borough zoning chapter. Subsection 7P(2)(a) caps fences and walls in the required side and rear yard areas at six feet in height, with an exception for tennis court fences, which can reach 10 feet. Subsection 7P(2)(b) caps fences or walls placed in the required front yard at four feet. Both limits come with the requirement that the fence be no closer than the property line, so the structure stays on the owner's own lot. Subsection 7P(2)(c) bars fences and walls from the right-of-way and from drainage easements or swales, while allowing them to occupy required yard areas.

Corner lots need extra attention. Section 27-404, Subsection 2E, requires front yards along all portions of a corner lot abutting any street, except where a different yard matches the prevailing yard pattern on adjoining lots, and then not less than 10 feet. Section 27-404, Subsection 3A, also keeps a triangular area at street corners graded and free of sight obstructions between two feet and 10 feet above the center-line grades of the intersecting streets, and vegetation cannot obscure that vision. The triangle is measured along the street center lines: 150 feet if either street is an arterial, 100 feet if either is a collector, and 75 feet if both are local streets. At driveways and accessways, Subsection 3B uses a triangle measured 30 feet from the intersection.

The Zoning Officer administers and enforces the chapter, and the Zoning Hearing Board hears variance requests under Section 27-802.