Bensalem, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Required before any street/sidewalk opening
- Insurance
- $1M/$3M bodily injury, $1M property
- Permit term
- 60 days, renewable
- Fine
- Up to $600 per day of violation
- Emergency work
- File application next business day
Summary
Opening or breaking the surface of any Bensalem Township street, sidewalk, curb, alley or public lane, including cutting a curb for a new driveway, is unlawful without a Township Council permit first. Bensalem Township Code § 197-22 requires an application, liability insurance and fees before any excavation or connection work begins.
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, firm, association or corporation to open or break the surface of the ground within the boundaries of any public highway, road, street, avenue, public lane, public alley or sidewalk for the purpose of laying pipes, sewers, drains or conduits of any description or for making connections therewith or repairs thereto or to break the surface of any improved sidewalk or curb for the purpose of building any driveway across same or for any other purpose without first obtaining from said Township Council a permit therefor before such work is begun and complying with the other requirements herein specified.
Full Breakdown
Bensalem Township Code § 197-22, adopted by Ordinance No. 311 on March 21, 1983, makes it unlawful to open or break the surface of any public highway, road, street, avenue, lane, alley or sidewalk, whether to lay pipes, sewers, drains or conduits, or to cut a curb or sidewalk for a new driveway, without first obtaining a permit from the Township Council. Section 197-23 requires a written application naming the applicant, the purpose of the excavation, and its location and dimensions, along with a photograph of the proposed installation; the applicant also assumes liability for any resulting damage.
Before the permit issues, § 197-24 requires proof of workmen's compensation coverage and comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000/$3,000,000 for bodily injury and $1,000,000 for property damage. Section 197-25 layers on permit, construction, restoration, inspection and engineering fees set by Township Council resolution, plus separate inspection fees for sidewalks and curb work. Once issued, § 197-26 caps the permit at 60 days, renewable for another 60-day period on payment of a renewal fee, and the permit holder must keep it on hand at the work site for inspection.
Emergency work can start without a permit if the application is filed by the next business day. The rules sit in Chapter 197, Streets and Sidewalks, Article IV, Street Openings.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Article IV, or failing to meet the conditions of an issued permit, is punishable under § 197-35 by a fine of up to $600 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense. Fines are collected through summary proceedings before a District Justice, and unpaid fines can result in commitment to the Bucks County jail, workhouse or other penal institution for up to 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut my curb for a new driveway in Bensalem?
How long does a Bensalem street opening permit last?
What insurance do I need before Bensalem issues the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bensalem
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