Bristol Township, PA Invasive Plant Rules: Bamboo Restrictions (2026)

Section 134-2 of the Bristol Township Code lists conditions that Township Council has declared to be nuisances, and item O covers bamboo. It names the genera Bambusa, Phyllostachys and Pseudosasa, including Common Bamboo, Golden Bamboo and Arrow Bamboo, and it reaches other similar invasive species. The trigger is spread: the nuisance exists when the bamboo spreads, invades, or grows on an adjoining or neighboring property. Planting bamboo is not itself the offense in the text; letting it cross the line is.

The duty falls on any property owner or resident who has planted or maintains bamboo. That person is required to take such measures as are reasonably expected to prevent the bamboo from invading or growing onto adjoining or neighboring properties. The code names one measure in detail: sheathing made of metal or other material impenetrable by bamboo, installed at sufficient depth within the property line or lines where the running bamboo is planted or growing. The list is expressly not limited to sheathing, and the code prints no depth in inches, so the working standard is a barrier deep enough to stop growth or encroachment.

Bamboo sits beside the other enumerated nuisances in § 134-2, such as grass or weeds growing in excess of 10 inches, and § 134-3 makes it unlawful for any person to cause, permit, maintain or allow a nuisance. Enforcement follows the chapter procedure. Under § 134-4 the Managing Director or another duly designated Township officer gives written notice to the owner or occupant, and under § 134-5 that notice must allow a reasonable time of not less than 10 days to abate, or 10 days after receipt to request a hearing. Section 134-2 was most recently amended 11-20-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-04.