Bristol Township, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Article III of Chapter 175 of the Bristol Township Code governs excavations and maintenance in public streets. Section 175-17 makes it unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation to open or break the surface of the ground within any public highway, road, street, avenue, public lane, public alley, sidewalk or footpath to install pipes, sewers, drains or conduits, to make connections or repairs, or to set or plant telephone, electric light or other poles, without a permit from the Township Council before work begins. Breaking the surface of an improved sidewalk or curb to build a driveway apron needs the same permit. Installing or reinstalling curbing, or excavating, also requires a permit from the Bristol Township Office of Licenses, Zoning and Inspections.

The written application is filed with that office on a form the Township furnishes. It must state the purpose for which the street, sidewalk or footpath is to be opened, excavated or occupied and the location of the work, and the applicant agrees to assume all liability for damage to persons or property. For an emergency opening, a permit must be obtained within 72 hours after the work starts (§ 175-18).

The application is filed with a bond payable to the Township, in the amount the Township requires but not less than $1,000 (§ 175-19). For a homeowner's primary residence, the bond can be waived where the reasonable cost of the work does not exceed $500. The Township can also require a certificate of insurance with limits of $50,000/$100,000 for public liability and $25,000 for property damage. Occupying the permit area with building or construction materials carries its own fee for the first 24 hours and each day after (§ 175-20).

Permit and inspection fees are set by resolution or ordinance of Township Council. Unless it states a shorter period, a permit is good for 30 days and can be renewed for a like period on payment of a renewal fee (§ 175-21). It must be kept by a competent person on the work and shown on demand to any police officer or authorized employee. Work must start within the time in the permit, or within 24 hours after receipt where none is stated, and no permit area can be closed to traffic without the Township Engineer's written consent (§ 175-22).