Bensalem Zoning & Land Use Guide
What we have on file vs. what to verify locally
We don't have editor-verified zoning prose for Bensalemyet. Here's the structured data we do have, and the highest-leverage steps to confirm specifics for your parcel.
What we have on file
- Population:
- 62,516
- County:
- Bucks County
- State building code:
- PA Uniform Construction Code (based on 2018 IBC)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- No statewide override; local rules apply
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Municipal code:
- View code online
Verify these locally
- Call the Bensalem Township Planning Department: (215) 633-3600
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Bensalem and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Bensalem Zoning Overview
Bensalem Township (population 62,516 per the 2020 Census) is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The township manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, administered by the Bensalem Township Planning Department. The zoning code divides the township into districts that regulate permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.
Bensalem's zoning ordinance includes residential, commercial, and industrial districts. Residential districts range from low-density zones (R-1) through medium-density (R-2, R-3) to multi-family (R-4) zones. Commercial districts include neighborhood (C-1) and general (C-2) commercial zones. Industrial uses are served by the Industrial (I) district.
Key Residential Zoning Districts
Bensalem's primary residential districts are:
- R-1 — Residential homes on lots of at least 20,000 sq ft, with 35 ft front setback, 12 ft side setbacks, 25 ft rear setback, and a 35 ft height limit.
- R-2 — Residential homes on lots of at least 10,000 sq ft, with 30 ft front setback, 8 ft side setbacks, 20 ft rear setback, and a 35 ft height limit.
- R-3 — Residential homes on lots of at least 7,500 sq ft, with 25 ft front setback, 5 ft side setbacks, 15 ft rear setback, and a 35 ft height limit.
- R-4 (Multi-Family) — Multi-family residential with dimensional standards that vary based on the specific development proposal.
Commercial and Industrial Districts
- C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) — Small-scale retail and service uses serving the surrounding neighborhood.
- C-2 (General Commercial) — Broader range of commercial uses including retail, office, and service establishments.
- I (Industrial) — Manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution uses.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
ADU regulations in Bensalem Township have not been confirmed. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide ADU mandate. Property owners interested in building an ADU should contact the Bensalem Township Planning Department at (215) 633-3600 for current policies and permitting requirements.
Development Process
Development in Bensalem Township generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the township's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents that comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local zoning hearing board or planning commission.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Bensalem Township, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their district
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the Bensalem Township Planning Department at (215) 633-3600 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Bensalem Township and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Bensalem Township or the Bensalem Township Municipal Code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bensalem
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Pennsylvania
- Building Code: PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
County — Bucks County
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Statewide Context (Pennsylvania)
Local data for Bensalem is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Pennsylvania and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- PA Uniform Construction Code (based on 2018 IBC)
- State ADU Preemption
- No statewide override
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- No
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Bensalem are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bensalem permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific