Bristol Township, PA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 55 of the Bristol Township Code, adopted 6-18-1991 as Ord. No. 91-13, regulates every amusement in the Township. Section 55-29 defines an amusement to include circuses, carnivals, sideshows, fairs, traveling shows and amusement parks, and a place of amusement is any location in the Township where the public can attend one.

Registration comes first. The owner of the amusement or of the place must register in writing at least 30 days before the scheduled start (§ 55-30). The owner or person running the show must appear in person and file the Township form, which lists the show's name, the owner's permanent address, the type of amusement and the dates. The registrant also supplies certifications for facilities, structures and seating, a plot plan that shows an emergency access route around the perimeter of all structures, and written plans for security, fire equipment, emergency health care and trash disposal.

Operating conditions follow in § 55-31. Rides must meet Pennsylvania safety requirements and be certified. Each amusement provides trash facilities and cleans up afterward, backed by a refundable $2,000 payment that comes back if the premises are free of trash and debris. On-site security, emergency health care and fire-fighting equipment and personnel must be arranged to the satisfaction of the Township. Structures and equipment must be fully erected at least 24 hours before the first performance so the Township can inspect (§ 55-32), and a representative must stay continuously available until the last show ends.

Section 55-33 requires proof of liability insurance at $1,000,000 per person and $2,000,000 per occurrence with the Township named as additional insured, an indemnification agreement and a $10,000 bond. Once every requirement is met, the application goes to Bristol Township Council, and a permit is granted by Council or its agent (§ 55-34). The Managing Director, the Office of Licenses, Zoning and Inspections and the Fire Marshal's office enforce the article (§ 55-35). Separately, § 55-1 makes it unlawful to operate a mobile amusement device on Township streets.