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

Chapter 154 of the Bristol Township Code, adopted by Township Council, puts the cost of sidewalk and curb repair on the owner. Section 154-5(B) requires every buyer, at or before settlement, to sign a statement in a form acceptable to the Township acknowledging that, under the Bristol Township Code of Ordinances, property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of curbs and sidewalks at their own expense. The buyer must give the Township a fully executed copy within 10 days of signing.

Section 154-8(D) adds the inspection step. The Office of Licenses, Zoning and Inspection inspects all curbs and sidewalks on any property before it is sold or transferred and requires the property owner to repair or replace curbs, sidewalks or portions of them found defective. That inspection runs alongside the occupancy certificate under Section 154-8(A), which must be applied for at the Office of Licenses, Zoning and Inspections before a building is reoccupied after a sale or when a new tenant is obtained.

Section 154-3 defines defective curbs and sidewalks as those that have cracks, breaks or missing pieces, are heavy or settling, have an unacceptable wearing course, or do not conform to established line or grade. Any of those conditions can trigger a repair order at sale.

Snow and ice are a separate duty in Article IV of Chapter 175. Section 175-33 requires the owner, occupant or tenant of real estate abutting or fronting a Township street to remove snow, ice or sleet from abutting sidewalks, walkways or pedestrian rights-of-way within 24 hours after it stops falling or forming. Section 175-34 assigns the duty to the owner where the property is owner-occupied or unoccupied, to the tenant where only a tenant occupies it, and to the owner of a multiple-business or multiple-dwelling property with more than one occupant. Under Section 175-35 the Township can clear the sidewalk itself and collect the expense plus an additional 10%.