Bristol, PA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Bristol Borough Code § 27-320, Use 7M permits outdoor eating accessory to food service as a use accessory to restaurant uses. The baseline rule in Use 7M(2)(a) is that no outdoor eating or food service shall be permitted within the right-of-way of any street or within the sidewalk area, except as provided below. The exception is Use 7M(9), a temporary outdoor dining area as an accessory use to restaurant uses, which Borough Council added by amendment in 2020 and which applies only when its conditions are met.

The pedestrian conditions come first. Outdoor dining areas shall have a continuous, unobstructed pathway between the seating area and any obstacle such as a tree, pole, post, sign, or planting area, wide enough for safe passage of pedestrians and wheelchairs. The area must also sit a sufficient distance from any pedestrian crossing, fire hydrant, driveway, or in a manner that does not visually obstruct vehicular traffic sightlines, traffic control devices, or signs.

Permanent construction is barred. No outdoor dining area may be permanently located within the sidewalk area by means of a raised platform, fence, wall, or other structures, or enclosed by a fixed wall. Outdoor tables, chairs, furniture and decorative items must be of uniform design and must be removed from public property November 1 through March 31, so winter sidewalk dining is not available on public property. Where a street owner permits it, the dining area can also be located in the street cartway adjacent to the applicant's property, with PennDOT, the County or the Borough as the respective street owner.

The general Use 7M standards apply too. Outdoor service cannot begin before 6:00 a.m. or continue after 11:00 p.m., amplified music or sound is not permitted, open containers of alcoholic beverages cannot be carried outside the delineated area, outdoor food preparation and outdoor bars are prohibited, and trash must be removed at least daily. The area cannot occupy parking the restaurant needs.