Bristol Township, PA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- Grass and/or weeds in excess of 10 inches
- Applies to
- Any public or private property
- Notice to abate
- Not less than 10 days, or request a hearing within 10 days
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 plus costs per offense
- Township cut charge
- All costs plus a 10% penalty
- Collection
- Lien against the property
Summary
In Bristol Township, grass and/or weeds growing in excess of a height of 10 inches are a declared nuisance under Township Code § 134-2 A. The rule covers public and private property, and the Township enforces it by written notice, a District Justice citation, fines up to $1,000 and abatement liens.
The maintaining, using, placing, depositing, leaving or permitting to be or remain on any public or private property of any of the following items, conditions or actions is hereby declared to be and constitute a nuisance; provided, however, that this enumeration shall not be deemed or construed to be conclusive, limiting or restrictive: ... A. Grass, weeds, overgrowth or any other vegetation that intrudes and grows upon any public or another's private property or which are otherwise a nuisance within the meaning of "nuisance" in § 134-1. Grass and/or weeds growing in excess of a height of 10 inches.
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. Section 134-2 was amended on 11-20-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-04, and the current subsection A reads two ways. First, grass, weeds, overgrowth or any other vegetation that intrudes and grows upon any public or another's private property, or that is otherwise a nuisance within the meaning of § 134-1, is a nuisance. Second, and with a number attached, grass and/or weeds growing in excess of a height of 10 inches are a nuisance. The 10-inch figure is the bright line an inspector can measure, and it applies to any public or private property in the Township.
The nuisance definition in § 134-1 supports the first sentence: anything that injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of others, is offensive to the senses, or tends to depreciate the value of the property of others. Section 134-3 makes it unlawful for any person to cause, permit, maintain or allow a nuisance.
The process starts with written notice. Under § 134-4, the Managing Director or another designated Township officer gives notice to the owner or occupant. Section 134-5 requires that the notice order abatement within a stated reasonable time of not less than 10 days, or a request for a hearing within 10 days after receipt, and warns that a citation will be issued through the office of the District Justice if the weeds are not cut within 10 days of receipt.
If the nuisance is not abated within 30 days of the District Justice's finding, § 134-8 allows the Township to send a notice of intent and then abate it, charging all costs plus a 10% penalty. Under § 134-9 those costs become a lien on the property.
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 the violation continues after notification is a separate offense. The weeds must be abated within 30 days of the District Justice's judgment, or the Township cuts them and adds a 10% penalty to its costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass get in Bristol Township?
Who sends the weed notice?
How long do I have to cut the weeds?
Can the Township cut my weeds and charge me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol Township
How Bristol Township compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Bristol Township to another location·View the Pennsylvania landscaping rules overview
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