Bristol, PA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Responsible party
- Owner of vacant premises; occupant if rented
- Height standard
- 10 inches (§ 10-201)
- Compliance window
- 48 hours after the notice is issued
- Borough charge
- Contractor cost plus 10% of the cost
- Collection tool
- Lien against the violating premises
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 plus costs per violation
Summary
In Bristol Borough, the owner of vacant premises must remove, trim or cut all grass, weeds and other vegetation that violates the 10-inch standard of § 10-201. Where someone other than the owner occupies the property, the occupant carries the duty. The Borough Manager can order the work within 48 hours and bill the owner.
The owner of any premises, as to vacant premises or premises occupied by the owner, and the occupant thereof, in case of premises occupied by other than the owner thereof, shall remove, trim, or cut all grass, weeds or other vegetation growing or remaining upon such premises in violation of the provisions of § 10-201 of this Part.
Full Breakdown
Section 10-202 of the Bristol Borough Code answers the question of who must keep a lot clear. The owner of any premises, as to vacant premises or premises occupied by the owner, and the occupant, in the case of premises occupied by someone other than the owner, shall remove, trim or cut all grass, weeds or other vegetation growing or remaining on the premises in violation of § 10-201. That means a vacant lot is the owner's responsibility from the first day, with no tenant to shift the duty to.
The standard the owner must meet is the one in § 10-201: no grass, weeds or vegetation, other than growth that is edible or planted for a useful or ornamental purpose, may grow or remain on the premises beyond a height of 10 inches, or throw off a noxious odor, conceal a filthy deposit, or produce pollen. Part 2 applies one standard to every property in the Borough of Bristol and does not set a separate rule for unimproved land.
Enforcement starts with the Borough Manager or an employee the Manager designates. Notice can be given by personal service, ordinary mail or posting on the premises, and it allows 48 hours after issuance to cut. If the owner neglects or fails to comply, the Borough Manager can contract for the cutting, and the Borough collects the cost plus a penalty of 10% of the cost from the owner in the manner provided by law, including a lien against the violating premises. Vacant buildings face a second track: § 1-1203 gives the Vacant Property Review Committee the power under the Urban Redevelopment Law to designate blighted properties within the Borough of Bristol.
Violations & Fines
Under § 10-204, a conviction before a magisterial district judge, in the manner provided for summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, brings a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment, imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense. Cost recovery under § 10-203, the contractor's charge plus 10%, comes on top of any fine and can be secured by a lien on the lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for weeds on a vacant lot in Bristol Borough?
How much time does a vacant lot owner get after a notice?
What does Bristol Borough charge if it cuts the lot itself?
Does Bristol Borough have a separate rule for blighted vacant property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol
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