Bensalem Township has more than a dozen boards and commissions — but not all of them make final decisions.
Most of these groups serve in an advisory role — they review issues, gather public input, and provide recommendations. Final authority on ordinances, budgets, development approvals, and township policy rests with the Township Council, unless otherwise provided under state law.
Here’s how the structure works in 2026 — and when you can attend.
🏛 The Decision-Making Body
Township Council
Meets: 2nd & 4th Monday
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers, 2400 Byberry Road
Township Council is the legislative authority of Bensalem. It:
- Passes ordinances
- Approves land development
- Adopts budgets
- Authorizes contracts
- Sets township policy
Most boards below make recommendations to Council. Council casts the final vote.
📋 Advisory Boards & Commissions
These groups review issues in specific subject areas and provide guidance.
📊 Board of Auditors
Meetings: As needed
Reviews and settles township financial accounts annually to ensure transparency and proper reporting.
🏘 Community Development Advisory Board
Meetings: As needed 2026-Bensalem-township-Official…
Advises on housing programs, neighborhood improvements, and community development funding.
♿ Disabled Persons Advisory Board
Meets: 2nd Wednesday
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Conference Room #3
Provides input on accessibility and services affecting residents with disabilities.
💊 Drug & Alcohol Advisory Board
Meets: 2nd Wednesday
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Room #1
Advises on substance abuse prevention and community response efforts.
📈 Economic Development Corporation
Meets: 3rd Monday
Time: Noon
Supports business development initiatives and economic strategy. Makes recommendations — does not pass ordinances.
🚨 Emergency Management Advisory Board
Meets: 1st Thursday
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Director of Public Safety Conference Room
Advises on disaster preparedness and emergency coordination planning.
🌿 Environmental Advisory Board
Meets: 3rd Tuesday
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Conference Room #3 (Police Building)
Reviews environmental issues and sustainability matters and advises Council.
🎰 Gaming Advisory Board
Meets: Quarterly, 2nd Thursday
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers
Provides feedback on gaming-related impacts within the township.
💰 Impact Fee Advisory Committee
Meets: 3rd Tuesday
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Conference Room #1
Reviews development impact fees and advises on how those funds are allocated.
🏗 Planning Commission
Meets: 3rd Wednesday
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers 2026-Bensalem-township-Official…
Reviews land development, subdivisions, and zoning ordinance amendments. Makes recommendations to Council.
If you’re tracking development in Bensalem — this is where projects often first appear.
🏚 Vacant Property Review Committee
Meetings: As needed
Reviews concerns related to vacant or blighted properties and recommends potential actions.
🇺🇸 Veterans Affairs Advisory Board
Meets: 3rd Thursday
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Conference Room #1
Advises on services and support for veterans in the township.
⚖ The Exception: Zoning Hearing Board
Zoning Hearing Board
Meets: 1st Thursday
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers
Unlike advisory boards, this body functions as a quasi-judicial board under Pennsylvania law.
It can:
- Hear zoning appeals
- Grant variances
- Approve special exceptions
Its decisions in those matters are legally binding.
📅 2026 Meeting Calendar at a Glance
1st Thursday (10 AM) – Emergency Management
1st Thursday (7 PM) – Zoning Hearing Board
2nd Wednesday (6 PM) – Drug & Alcohol
2nd Wednesday (7 PM) – Disabled Persons
2nd & 4th Monday (7 PM) – Township Council
3rd Monday (Noon) – Economic Development Corp
3rd Tuesday (7 PM) – Environmental & Impact Fee
3rd Wednesday (7 PM) – Planning Commission
3rd Thursday (6 PM) – Veterans Affairs
Quarterly – Gaming Advisory Board
All meetings are subject to change.
Want to Join a Board?
Many of these boards rely on volunteer residents.
If you’re interested in serving:
- Contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office
- Inquire about current vacancies
- Download and submit this Form of Interest and a resume
- Appointments are typically made by the Township Council
Board Appointments, Office of the Mayor, Attn: Debora McBreen
2400 Byberry Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
Serving on a board is one of the most direct ways residents can shape township policy before it reaches Council for a vote.
