Bristol, PA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 10, Part 3 of the Bristol Borough Code, titled Storage of Abandoned Automobiles, defines a motor vehicle broadly: any mechanical device propelled by a motor, plus trailers and semi-trailers pulled by it and other equipment, including recreation vehicles, tilted trailers, snowmobile trailers and wave runner trailers. Section 10-302 then lists the physical defects that make a vehicle a nuisance, among them broken glass with sharp edges, flat or open tires that could permit vermin harborage, missing doors or hood, missing tires leaving the vehicle in unsafe suspension, a leaking oil pan or gas tank, an exposed acid battery, and failure to have a current state license plate or current state inspection sticker. It also bars storing a motor vehicle on any surface other than gravel, asphalt, concrete or black top.

A resident who keeps such a vehicle can apply under § 10-303 for a temporary or permanent storage permit and pay the fee the Borough Council sets by resolution. The vehicle must sit inside a garage or enclosed building, or outside behind an opaque fence at least six feet high that stays locked when unattended. Gas, oil and other flammable liquid must be removed, the vehicle must be kept free of vermin, and the total storage area cannot exceed 250 square feet. Storage still has to comply with the Zoning Ordinance in Chapter 27.

The Building Inspector or designee inspects and, on noncompliance, serves a written notice by registered or certified mail, or by posting on the premises, requiring correction within 10 days. If the owner does not comply, § 10-305 lets the Borough correct the condition and collect the cost plus 10% of all costs through a municipal lien. A person aggrieved by the Building Inspector's decision files a written petition with the Borough Council within 10 days, and the hearing begins not later than 30 days after filing unless postponed for sufficient cause.