Bristol Township, PA HOA Rules: Board Governance (2026)

Bristol Township does not regulate homeowners' associations in general; its zoning chapter addresses them where a residential subdivision or mobile home park sets aside open space. Section 205-141 lists the permitted ways to preserve, own, or maintain that open space: condominium, homeowners' association, dedication in fee simple, dedication of easements, or transfer to a private conservation organization. For a homeowners' association, the open space can be held in common ownership, and the method is subject to all of the provisions for homeowners associations set forth in Article VII of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

The section does not print bylaws, voting, or dues rules of its own; it points to that Article. The condominium route requires conformance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act of 1980, with all open space held as a common element. Surrounding sections add the Township's conditions. Under § 205-137, the plan must establish the method by which open space is perpetuated, maintained and administered, and final plan approval is construed as a contract between the landowners and the Township, noted on all applicable deeds. Section 205-138 requires plans to state that open space land shall not be separately sold or further subdivided, except for transfer to the Township or an approved conservation organization, and shall not be further developed except for recreational facilities.

Section 205-138(D) requires the plan to note the ownership and maintenance method under § 205-141. Section 205-139 requires a way of physically delineating private lots from open space, such as shrubbery, trees, or markers. Under § 205-142, unless the Township or county agrees otherwise, the property owner, condominium association, or homeowners' association bears the cost and responsibility of maintaining open space. If the open space is not properly maintained, the Township can assume maintenance and charge a fee covering maintenance costs, administrative costs, and penalties stipulated in the chapter.