Bristol Township

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Lower Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority

7900 Bristol Pike

Levittown PA 19057

(215) 946-0731

Building & Planning Department

Welcome to Bristol Township Building and Planning Department

Bristol Township Building and Planning Department is responsible for the enforcement of the Township’s Building, Code Enforcement, Zoning and SALDO codes. Our mission is to foster responsible and sustainable development within Bristol Township by providing clear guidance, efficient permitting processes, and comprehensive planning services. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of our community while preserving our natural resources and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The Building and Planning Department enforces the provisions of the various codes and ordinances that have been enacted to preserve the character of Bristol Township to continue to make it a desirable place to live.

Major codes and ordinances enforced by the department include:

ZONING ORDINANCE - which classifies and regulates the use of land, the size of lots, the height and size of buildings, the percentage of lot area that may be occupied, and the size of yards and other open spaces.

BUILDING CODE - which governs the design, construction, alteration, demolition and moving of all existing and future buildings in the township.

PLUMBING CODE - which provides for the regulation of plumbing, plumbing fixtures, hot water systems and private sewage disposal systems.

HOUSING CODE - which provides minimum health standards for housing sanitation facilities, requires adequate ventilation, lighting and heating, determines the acceptable occupancy of space, requires safe and sanitary maintenance and prohibits substandard housing conditions.

ELECTRICAL CODE - which provides that all electrical installations, repairs, or alterations must be inspected to assure that the electrical work has been satisfactorily.

In addition to its responsibilities of code enforcement, the Department also regulates and licenses such activities as vending and peddling, commercial occupancy, and amusement devices.

In order to do particular types of work, Bristol Township requires different types of permits that must be obtained. Please visit the forms page to view and download forms and applications. Please complete all requested information on forms and applications and return to the Building & Planning Department Office. Incomplete forms will delay processing. All permits must be posted at the construction site in a conspicuous area. Click here for the forms area.

Code Enforcement

The mission of the Township Code Enforcement Department is to promote the health, safety, and well-being of our community by enforcing local codes and regulations. We are dedicated to fostering a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment through proactive education, collaboration with residents, and fair enforcement of standards. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for all residents while supporting sustainable development and community pride.

Purpose

Public Safety: Ensuring that buildings and properties comply with safety standards to protect residents from hazards such as fire, structural failure, and environmental risks.
Health Protection: Enforcing health codes to prevent unsanitary conditions that could lead to health issues, such as pest infestations or inadequate waste disposal.
Community Aesthetics: Maintaining the visual appeal of neighborhoods by enforcing property maintenance codes, which can enhance property values and community pride.
Zoning Compliance: Ensuring that land use adheres to zoning regulations, which helps to maintain the character of neighborhoods and manage growth effectively.
Environmental Protection: Enforcing regulations that protect natural resources and promote sustainable practices, such as stormwater management and pollution control.
Education and Support: Providing guidance to residents and property owners about local codes and regulations to foster compliance and community engagement.

Overall, code enforcement aims to create and maintain a safe, healthy, and attractive environment for all residents.

Code Enforcement Process

Complaint or Observation: The process often begins with a complaint from a resident or an observation made by a code enforcement officer regarding potential violations of local codes and ordinances.
Investigation: A code enforcement officer investigates the complaint or observed issue. This may involve visiting the property, taking photographs, and gathering evidence to determine if a violation exists.
Notice of Violation: If a violation is confirmed, the officer issues formal notice to the property owner or occupant. This notice typically outlines the specific code being violated, the required corrective actions, and a deadline for compliance.
Compliance Period: The property owner is given a designated period to address the violation. This timeframe can vary depending on the severity of the issue and local regulations. The compliance period varies between 10 and 30 day
Follow-Up Inspection: After the compliance period, the officer conducts a follow-up inspection to determine whether the violation has been resolved.
Enforcement Actions: If the violation is not corrected, the code enforcement agency may take further action. This can include issuing fines, filing a lawsuit, or, in extreme cases, pursuing abatement measures to rectify the issue.
Appeals Process: Property owners may have the right to appeal the findings or penalties imposed by code enforcement.
Ongoing Monitoring: In some cases, ongoing monitoring may be necessary to ensure continued compliance with local codes and regulations.