City of Reading, Pennsylvania - Frequently Asked Questions

The Reading Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy is designed to acquaint the citizens of Reading with the operations of the police department. Click here for more info.

What activities can my family and I do in Reading?

There are so many things to see and do in Reading and the surrounding area. We take great pride in the quality of life in the area that includes the arts, sports, shopping, and skiing. Please visit the Reading Berks County Visitors Bureau’s website: http://www.readingberkspa.com. You may also request a Visitor’s Packet.

How do I obtain a marriage license?

A marriage license can be obtained through the Marriage License Bureau is a division of the Berks County Register of Wills Office. Located on the second floor of the Berks County Services Center, 633 Court Street, Reading, the office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Application for a marriage license must be made personally, with both parties appearing together. No appointment is necessary.

In addition, marriage applications can be made at your local District Justice Office and at Reading District Court (First Floor, Courthouse) by appointment only.

You may also visit Berks County’s website at http://www.co.berks.pa.us, click on Register of Wills and you will find all the answers you need.

What are the senior programs in Reading? What are my options for senior housing? How can I help a senior citizen?

The Berks County Office of Aging has the legal mandate to provide a wide array of services for seniors including: information and referral, advocacy, planning, senior centers, meals on wheels, assessment, care management and in home services. Any concerns regarding aging issues can be directed to the Berks County Office of Aging at 610-478-6500.

The vast majority of senior programming is administered through Berks County. The Senior Citizens Council is located at 40 North Ninth Street and the phone number is 610-374-3195. Informing, educating, advocating for those who have invested so much in their community. Their mission is to provide services, programs and referrals that engage, inform, educate and advocate for older Berks Countians.

What’s the history of Reading?

In 1733, the site of present day Reading was chosen. It was set at the intersection of two great valleys, the east Penn-Lebanon Valley and the Schuylkill river. This site was known as Finney's Ford until 1743 when Thomas Lawrence, a Penn Land agent, made the first attempt at the layout for Reading.

In 1748, the town was laid out by Thomas and Richard Penn, the sons of William Penn. The name was chosen after Penn's own county seat, Reading, in Berkshire, England. In 1752, Reading became the county seat of Berks county.

During the French and Indian war, Reading became a military base for a chain of forts along the Blue Mountains. The local iron industry, by the time of the Revolution had a total production that exceeded that of England, a production that would help supply Washington's troops with weapons including cannons, rifles and ammunition. During the early period of the war, Reading was again a depot for military supply. Hessian prisoners from the battle of Trenton were also detained here. Reading bore it's appropriate burden during many wars including the Civil War and World War II.

The Early part of the 19th century witnessed the great turnpike and canal era, succeeded by the building of the Reading Railroad, radiating in all directions from the City of Reading. The construction of the railroad was probably the single greatest factor in the development of Berks county.

Agriculture is an important industry in Berks County...the largest and finest forms are in the southern part of the county. Berks ranks 3rd among all Pennsylvania counties in cash receipts from agriculture which total $73.9 million. Income derived from dairy production is $29.3 million; field and forage crops $25.7 million; poultry $10.2 million and meat animals $8.7 million.

Today, the Reading is a city pulsating with industrial life. It is also well equipped with agencies that represent civilization at it's best-churches, hospitals, clubs, fraternal societies, recreational centers. schools and colleges, a historical society, an art institute as well as a daily newspaper. Reading claims the distinction of a symphony orchestra, two choral societies, a chamber musical ensemble, a civic opera company and many other excellent music groups that have contributed to the city's prestige as a center of art and culture.

Courtesy of the Reading & Berks Visitors Bureau. Additional information can be found at the Berks Historical Society at http://www.berkshistory.org/museum The Society's 20,000 artifacts tell many stories behind the development of the county. Three levels of museum exhibits interpret our colorful history from the Conestoga Wagon to the 1902 Duryea to toys, crafts, fine arts, all related to our social history. Here you can truly find your past. The Historical Society is located at 940 Centre Avenue.

What information do you have about Abandoned Vehicles?

Inoperable vehicles are “abandoned” according to state law, and are therefore subject to towing. (Section 7301 7312 of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code)

· Vehicle code defines “abandoned vehicles” as any of the following:

· Vehicle is physically inoperable and has remained on a public street, highway or alleyway for more than 48 hours.

· Vehicle does not have all of the following: current registration plates, valid inspection (and emissions if applicable) stickers, ascertainable vehicle identification number and is left on a public street, highway or alleyway for more than 48 hours.

· Vehicle has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 48 hours.

Abandoned Vehicle on Public Property (Highway, street or alleyway); Police Action*

· Police place "red" courtesy sticker giving vehicle owner seven days to move the vehicle. Vehicle is put on the tow list.

· Certified letter is sent from the Reading Police Traffic Enforcement Office to the registered owner of the vehicle confirming that the owner has seven days to move the vehicle.

· After seven days, vehicle will be towed by a state salvor.

· Owner may claim the vehicle from the salvor by paying the towing fee, the cost for vehicle storage and a state imposed fee of $50. In addition, the owner will be issued a citation for violation of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code, Section 3712. This violation is $500 plus court costs.

· If the vehicle is moved to another location within the city and is still in violation, it will be towed immediately.

Private Property: Not Posted with Tow Away Notice

· If vehicle is parked on private property without the owners permission; the following applies:

· Property owner signs release for police to enforce law

· Police place red sticker on vehicle giving owner 7 days to remove

Letter is sent to owner advising of violation

· After seven days, state salvor tows vehicle; owner is charged for towing, storage, $50 state fee and $500 citation violation.

Private Property: Posted with Tow Away Notice

· Unauthorized parked cars may be ticketed and towed immediately upon notification of the police by the property owner, if so posted.

Storage of Vehicles on Public Property - Streets, Highways, Alleyways

· It is illegal for any vehicle to be parked on the street in one spot for 72 hours. (Parking space is limited in the city and this is to discourage people from storing vehicles on public property. (City Ordinance 15-408)

· Police may issue red sticker and certified letter giving owner seven days to remove vehicle.

· After seven days, state salvor tows vehicle; owner is charged for towing, storage, $50 state fee and $500 citation violation.

Motor Vehicle Nuisance: Codes Department Action**

· Any vehicle is considered a nuisance if it represents a safety hazard (broken windows, no wheels, ripped metal, doors missing, etc) and is parked on public or private property, with or without permission of property owner.

· Codes department may place a "green" courtesy sticker on vehicle giving vehicle owner 30 days to remove.

· After 30 days, state salvor tows vehicle; owner is charged for towing, storage, $50 state fee and $500 citation violation.

* Police Department Contacts: 610-655-6407 Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

** Codes Department Contacts: 610-655-6214 or 610-655- 6215 Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

What can I do for snow and ice complaints?

When a person has a snow/ice complaint, they have to contact the Desk Sargent in City Hall first. After an officer is dispatched and a notice is given to the property owner. If no action is taken the complaint is then given to the Codes office.

What is the Street Sweeping schedule?

You can view the Street Sweeping schedule on the signs posted on your block if you are on a permanant route. If you do not live on a permanent route, your street will get posted with a cardboard sign at least 12 hours before the sweeper comes through. We do 1 side at a time and if you don’t move your car it will get a ticket for $35.00. We try to get these streets at least 2 times a year. Any questions please call (610) 655-6285.

What information do you have on Yard Waste/Leaf Collection?

Yard Waste Collection. and Leaf Collection.

1) The City collects loose leaves(not in containers) in the fall from last week in October through the 1 first week of December. Place leaf piles at the curbside during this period. After this period all leaves are to be in BIODEGRADABLE paper leaf bags(available in most stores). NO PLASTIC BAGS.

2) City crews collect loose leaves along a preplanned route. Unfavorable weather conditions or unexpected equipment failures may affect the collection schedule.

3) City crews will only pick up containerized or bagged leaves by appointment. Please call the Department of Public works at (610) 655-6285.

Tree Trimmings

1) The city will pick up tree trimmings at the curbside by appointment only. The maximum pile for collection is 3’ in diameter and 4” long. Our service is intended to collect material generated from minor tree pruning and maintenance. IF YOU ARE REMOVING A TREE, OR PERFORMING MAJOR RELANDSCAPING, PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH A CONTRACTOR TO REMOVE THE MATERIAL FOR YOU.

2) Holiday trees may be taken to our drop off site in City Park or Schlegel Park between December 24th. And February 28th.

Will not pick up the following material

1) Brush and/or branches were not properly separated and/or piled with stub (cut) ends facing the road.

2) Branches are larger than 3’ diameter or exceed a length of 4”.

3) NO grass clippings, sod, stones, human made materials, lumber, stumps or root balls.

4) No plastic bags

If you have any questions regarding our yard waste collection program, please call us at (610) 655 6285.

If you have questions on grass recycling call our recycling office at (610)655-6278.

Who are the City Council members?

The 2006-2008 Council is composed of the following:

• President of Council Vaughn D. Spencer

• City Council District 1 Stephen P. Fuhs

• City Council District 2 Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz

• City Council District 3 Dennis M. Sterner

• City Council District 4 Stratton P. Marmarou

• City Council District 5 Maria R. Baez

• City Council District 6 Jeffrey S. Waltman

How can I contact/communicate with my council person?

You can contact any member of Council through the Council Office via:

• Phone 610 655 6204• E-mail council@readingpa.org

• Post Office Mail 815 Washington Street, Reading PA 19601

• Voicing concern to the Council staff office, located on the second floor in City Hall

You can also speak with City Council by calling in to the In Your District program, airing at 8 p.m. every week on the BCTV MAC Channel 99.

What are the districts?

Under the Home Rule Charter, the City of Reading is divided into six districts, with each district electing one Council member. District-elected Council members are to represent the voice of their constituents and are to act as a body to make decisions in the best interest of the entire City. Boundaries mapping out the six districts of the City can be found on the City website (readingpa.gov) under the “City Council Districts” tab. The President of Council is elected at-large. The President of Council is the presiding officer of Council and has the same voting powers as the other six Council members. The President interacts with the Mayor and other governmental entities and represents the voice of Council.

Who is the City Clerk and what is her function?

Linda A. Kelleher is the City Clerk for the City of Reading and has been serving City Council since she was first appointed in January 1996. The City Clerk acts as the Secretary to the Council, or Secretary to the Board of Directors. The City Clerk is the Director of the Legislative Branch, responsible for managing the operations of City Council by providing leadership and administrative support, implementing Council policies and providing quality services to the people of Reading.The City Clerk maintains accurate legislative records and performs other services to the body of Council such as public relations, drafting and reviewing ordinances, legal research and acting as a liaison with the City Administration and other entities. The City Clerk assists Council in areas such as setting agendas, developing a Council Action Plan and coordinating appointments for the City's Boards, Authorities and Commissions.

What are the various council meetings? Where and when are they held?

Council meetings are held on Monday evenings. The meeting schedule is listed at the bottom of each regular meeting agenda.

• First Monday 5 p.m. – Finance and Administrative Oversight Committee – Council Office

• Second Monday 5 p.m. – Committee of the Whole – Council Office

• Second Monday 7 p.m. – Regular Council Meeting – Council Chambers

• Third Monday 5 p.m. - Public Safety & Public Works Committee – Council Office

• Third Monday 7 p.m. – Work Session – Penn Room

• Fourth Monday 5 p.m. Committee of the Whole – Council Office

• Fourth Monday 7 p.m. Regular Council Meeting

Additional meetings are added and advertised as needed through newsprint or City website announcement (readingpa.gov).

How can I obtain a copy of an Ordinance or the Frequently Used Ordinance Book?

Our City laws are located under the “Codified Ordinance” tab on our web site. Click on “City Documents” to see the listings. If you cannot print the law you are interested in, please call the Council Office at 610 655 6204 to request a copy. The Frequently Used Ordinance Book is published by Council Staff and contains a variety of quality of life laws. This book is updated by Council Staff on a regular basis. If you would like the latest draft, please call the Council Office at 610 655 6204.

Can I address Council at their meetings?

You can address the body of Council at their Regular Business Meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month and at Public Hearings held to address specific topics. Council does not allow public comment at Committee Meetings, Committee of the Whole Sessions or Work Sessions.

To address Council, please contact the City Clerk before 4 p.m. the day of the meeting by calling 610 655 6204 or by e-mail, council@readingpa.org. You can also register to speak with the City Clerk before the meeting is called to order. Citizens speaking about legislation on the agenda may speak for five minutes at the beginning of the regular meeting. Citizens wishing to speak about non-agenda matters may speak for three minutes at the end of the regular meeting. When the City Clerk signals that your time is complete, we ask that you quickly conclude your remarks and be seated.

Where can I find information about the City's Boards, Authorities and Commissions?

For information on the City’s Boards, Authorities and Commissions click on the “Boards Authorities and Commissions” tab on the index or by contacting the Council Office at 610 655 6204 or via e-mail, council@readingpa.org.

How can I apply to be on the City's Boards, Authorities and Commissions?

If you would like to serve on one of the City’s Boards, Authorities and Commissions click on the “Boards Authorities and Commissions” tab in the index, print an application, fill it out and mail it to the Council Office – 815 Washington Street, Reading PA 19601. If you cannot print a copy, call the Council Office at 610 655 6204 to request one and the Council staff will be happy to assist you.

What is the Code of Ethics? How can I obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics?

The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that government decisions and policy be made in the proper channels of governmental structure; that public office is not to be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government.

In recognition of these goals, there is an established Code of Ethics to be administered by the Board of Ethics. The purpose of this Code is to establish ethical standards of conduct for all officials and employees of the City of Reading, its agencies and authorities, whether elected or appointed, paid or unpaid, by providing guidelines to clarify actions or inactions which are incompatible with the best interests of the City and by directing disclosure of private, financial or other interests in matters affecting the City.

The provisions and purpose of this Code and such rules, regulations, opinions and disciplinary decisions as may be promulgated by the Board Pursuant hereto, and under provisions of Article XII of the Charter, are hereby declared to be in the best interest of the City.

The Code of Ethics is located in the "City Documents" section, found on the index of the City website. If you would like a bound copy, please contact the Council Office by calling 610 655 6204 or via e-mail, council@readingpa.org.

How can I make a complaint to the Board of Ethics?

Any person may file a complaint about alleged ethics violations of the Reading Code of Ethics or the City Charter. A complaint form may be requested through the Board of Ethics liaison, Michelle Katzenmoyer, by calling 610 655 6205 or upon request from the Council staff office. In addition, the Board may initiate proceedings by its own action.

A person signing a complaint shall:

• Reasonably believe in the existence of facts upon which the claim is based.

• Reasonably believe that the complaint may be valid under the ethics provisions of the Code of Ethics and the City Charter.No official or employee may be penalized for a good faith filing of a complaint with the Ethics Board, or providing information or testifying in any Board proceeding. An employee may not be discharged, suffer change in his/her official rank, grade or compensation, be denied a promotion or be threatened as a result of any of the above.

All Board proceedings and records relating to an investigation are confidential until a final determination is made by the Board, except as may be required by due process. The final order is a public record. All other file material must remain confidential. The Board, however, may release the identity of a complainant if it has determined that there has been a wrongful use of the Code of Ethics.

What is the Home Rule Charter? How can I obtain a copy of the Charter?

The Home Rule Charter acts as the “Constitution” for the City of Reading. It sets the operational rules for our government. The City Administrative Code, found in the Codified Ordinances, is used to further define Charter provisions. Copies of the Home Rule Charter may be acquired through publication provision of the City Council staff office. (or by clicking on this link - http://www.readingpa.gov/documents/charter.pdf)

What is the Charter Board? How can I make a complaint to the Charter Board?

The Charter Board, created under the 1st Amendment to the Home Rule Charter, hears and decides all complaints alleging violations of the Charter and Administrative Code. This Board is also responsible for providing orientation for all elected officials.

Charter complaint forms can be obtained on the City’s web site, by phone or e-mailing the Council Office at 610 655 6204 or council@readingpa.org.

What is the difference between Commission Government and Home Rule Government?

The State provides for three forms of government in Pennsylvania:

• Commission – established under the Third Class City Code

• Optional Third Class Charter Law – established under the Third Class City Code in 1957

• Home Rule Charter Optional – established by the State General Assembly in 1972, apart from the Third Class City Code

The Commission Form of government is made up by a Mayor and City Councilors all elected at-large. The Mayor presides over Council meetings but has no additional power. Al these elected officls perform executive duties and direct the city departments. Under the Commission form there is no single or administrative officer to oversee the operations of the City.

Home Rule Charter Optional provided for 2 structures:

• Strong Mayor / Part-time Council

• Council / Manager

Reading voters approved the Home Rule Charter Optional form of government with a Strong Mayor / Part-time Council in the November 1993 General Election. The executive, administrative and law enforcement powers of the City are vested in the Mayor. The Mayor shall control and be accountable for the executive branch of City government.

City Council is the legislative body having all powers of the City not otherwise provided for in this Charter, exercised in a manner to be determined by Council. Council shall provide for the exercise and performance of any such other powers and duties in a manner consistent with the terms of this Charter. All powers of the City shall be exercised as provided by this Charter, or if the Charter makes no provision, as provided by ordinances or resolutions of the City Council.

The Charter defines the City’s Departments and sets out requirements for professional department directors, who report to the City’s Managing Director, appointed by the Mayor and approved by Council.

What records are stored in the City Clerk’s Office?

The City Clerk's Office houses a variety of current and old city records.

The City of Reading Codified Ordinances has many features in addition to the current city laws. This book provides references to applicable state and federal legislation. The Codified Ordinance Book also includes a key that provides the disposition of all city streets, improvements, vacations, etc. The key can also provide the researcher with the history and disposition of city ordinances. The Codified Ordinances have been available on-line since 1999, with updates done annually. The Codified Ordinances can also be found in the Main Branch of the Reading Public Library and the Berks County Law Library.

The office also holds the Journals of Council that include the ordinances and resolutions adopted dating back to 1854. Other old records include departmental reports, solicitor's opinions, Board of Health records, tax assessment records, Water Bureau reports, etc. Unfortunately, record retention and archiving diminished between the 1960's and 1995. In 1996 staff in the City Council/City Clerk's Office restored the practice of records retention and archiving, and the staff is currently working to digitize current and old city records so they are more accessible to the public.

What records are considered “public” by Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Act?

These are public records that must be disclosed under Pennsylvania's Right to Know Act:

• Accounts, vouchers or contracts dealing with the receipt or disbursement of funds or the acquisition, use or disposal of services or supplies, materials, equipment or other property (includes canceled checks and cell phone bills paid by the county)

• Minutes, orders or decisions by an agency fixing the personal or property rights, privileges, immunities, duties or obligations of any person or group of persons

• Reports, communications or other papers pertaining to safety and health in industrial plants

• Records of a conviction for a criminal act In addition, Pennsylvania courts have ruled that the following records are subject to inspection and copying under the Right to Know Act:

• Code of Ethics and manuals fixing duties and obligations regarding the treatment of state inmates

• Penn DOT contract to perform emissions inspection

• Department of Welfare: Nursing home settlement and appeal activity reports • Real estate appraisals performed in connection with a city's effort to acquire property (held to fix personal or property rights of the owners of the property affected)

• A report prepared by a hospital accreditation commission for welfare department

• A township's and municipality's canceled checks

• Arrest warrant affidavits, unless court order says otherwise

• Examination papers and scores of applicants for civil service jobs

• Records of retired state employees

• Attendance record cards of professional employees of school districts

• The building record portion of property records (containing construction specifications) maintained by county boards for the assessment and revision of taxes

• Accident reports and certain studies conducted by the Commonwealth concerning the accidents

• Completed reports prepared by the Department of Labor and Industry on safety and health in industrial plants

• The review and refund docket of the Board of Finance and Revenue

• The list of names and addresses of kindergarten children in a school district

• Police payroll records

• Lists of people taking CPA exams

• Addresses to which a school district forwarded the scholastic records of former pupils

• Lists of delinquent taxpayers

• Subscriber lists for magazines published by the Commonwealth

• Crime, death and accident reports filed with the police department

• Names and addresses of public high school graduating classes

• Evaluations of state psychiatric institutions compiled by a commission which prescribes standards for hospitals participating in certain federally funded programs

• Statistical data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education on the racial and ethnic composition, by school district, of programs for exceptional children

• Settlement agreement in police brutality lawsuit

• A list of unclaimed checks held by the state Treasury Department

• Escheat records of abandoned and unclaimed property held by the Department of Revenue

• Hearing transcripts of testimony and evidence from an electric utility base rate case before the PUC

Although individual agencies still may agree to release the following information, Pennsylvania courts have ruled that these records are NOT subject to inspection or copying under the Right to Know Act:

• A Pennsylvania Insurance Department investigative file on a licensee

• Psychological, staffing and job evaluations made to complete a state prisoner's suit against Department of Corrections officials in regards to parole consideration

• Criminal pre-sentence reports and related psychiatric and psychological reports

• Notice of compensation records from Bureau of Workers Compensation

• Correspondence and memoranda by Department of General Services concerning request for proposals to lease office space to government agency

• Information relating to assignment of assistant district attorneys to specific cases

• The contents of a contractual settlement between a school board and a teacher

• Field investigation notes taken by city planning department staff to report to a city council member

• Departmental budget reports required by the budget secretary (held to be a statement of facts and events, not an "account" consisting of debits and credits)

• Names, addresses and amounts received by welfare recipients

• Contents of a teacher's personnel file maintained by the school district

• Financial disclosure statements voluntarily submitted in response to executive orders requesting such statements from members of the governor’s cabinet and members of certain agencies

• Financial information regarding the operation of state-related universities

• Physical fitness reports and promotional evaluation reports of police departments

• The name of a person who accused a police officer of receiving stolen property as well as the police department's files on the investigation of the complaint

• "Raw data" compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for a study on the connection between the Three Mile Island accident and birth defects

• Information from tax returns filed with a municipality and results of tax audits

• Plans for special education programs submitted to, but not acted on, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Request for the statements and notes of testimony of alleged co-defendants, as well as requests for all relevant newspaper clippings and articles dealing with a criminal case

• Job applications that were not reviewed

• Police investigative reports

• Audio tape recordings of 911 telephone calls

• Urinalysis reports from halfway houses

• Legal opinions from solicitors and attorneys that are not essential components of agency decisions • Inmates' medical and mental health records

What is Citizen Initiative and Referendum?

Citizen Initiative and Referendum are two ways that citizens not holding political office may present legislation for the City. The two opportunities are as follows:

Initiative: The qualified voters of the City shall have the power to propose ordinances to the Council. If the Council fails to adopt such an ordinance, the initiative process would place the proposed ordinance before the voters as a referendum at an election, providing the City voters with the opportunity to adopt or reject the ordinance at a City election.

Referendum: The qualified voters of the City shall have the power to require reconsideration by the Council of any adopted ordinance. If the Council fails to repeal an ordinance so reconsidered, the Referendum process may be commenced giving the qualified voters of the City the opportunity to approve or reject said ordinance at a City election.

For more detail, please contact the Council Office by calling 610 655 6204 or e-mail to council@readingpa.org.

Can the Council Office help me with a complaint about City Services?

The Council Office can take a concern or complaint about City Services, and work with the appropriate City department(s) to efficiently rectify the problem. In addition, Council members note problematic trends in order to improve upon or implement any additional services that benefit the City. If you have a concern that the City Clerk or City Council can assist with, contact the Council staff office at 610 655 6204, via e-mail council@readingpa.org or by writing to 815 Washington Street Reading, PA 19601.

How do I get a Building Permit?

A building permit can be obtained by contacting the Building/Trades office @ 610-655-6284 or by visiting our office at

815 Washington Street in Room 3-10.

How do I apply for a building permit?

Building/Trades permit information and application forms may be obtained by contacting our office at 610-655-6284. (We can either fax or mail the information and application) or can be acquired by visiting our office at 815 Washington Street, Room 3-10.

What are the useful phone numbers?

Building/Trades Office 610-655-6284

Codes Office 610-655-6283

Building Inspector 610-655-6122 | 610-655-6176

Plumbing Inspector 610-655-6312

Mechanical Inspector 610-655-6110

Electrical Inspector 610-655-6109

What Ordinances does the Codes Department enforce?

Building/Trades office enforces the following ordinances relating to the Uniform Construction Code which is now being used:

Building code amendments as follows:

Building Code # 99-2006

International Existing Building Code # 96-2006

International Fire Code # 29-2004

International Plumbing Code # 106-2006

International Mechanical Code # 97-2006

International Residential Code # 94-2006

International Electrical Code Administrative Provisions # 98-2006

What International/National Codes do you use?

2006 International Building Code

2006 International Fire Code

2006 International Existing Building Code

2006 International Plumbing Code

2006 International Mechanical Code

2006 International Residential Code

2006 International Electrical Code

2002 ICC/ANSI a117.1/Accessibility Code

All referenced standards applicable to the above International Building Code.

When are permits required?

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first submit application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

How do I obtain a permit?

By contacting the Building/Trades office at 610-655-6284 or visit our office at

815 Washington Street, Room 3-10

Who can apply for a permit?

Any property owner or authorized agent of an owner may apply for a building permit as approved by the Building Code official.Licensed Contractor meeting City of

Reading requirements.An architect, designer, developer or builder acting as a Prime General contractor and as approved by the Building Code official.

What are the general building code guidelines/procedures?

Obtain all Zoning/Land development approval.Obtain Historical approval if applicable.Submit permit application with construction documents when required.Applications for permit shall:Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made.Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work.

How do I get a building permit? Who can apply for a building permit? When are permits required? How do I obtain a building permit? How do I apply for a building permit?

At City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:00 PM .

Building permits are required for any general carpentry work performed on your property. All property owners are allowed to do this type of work on their properties.

For minor or moderate constructions projects, the building permit can usually be applied for an obtained the same day. Whenever a contractor is hired to perform these repairs, be aware that the contractor is responsible for obtaining the building permit. The building permit should be displayed in the front window of your home until the work is completed. Certain cosmetic repairs do not require a building permit, such as painting, laying a finished floor, or installing window sash cord.For larger construction projects, such as room or building additions, there are additional requirements. You may have to apply to additional departments for their approval prior to obtaining a building permit. These departments could include Zoning, Fire, Engineering, Water Authority or Historic Preservation.Trades permits, such as electric, heating or plumbing, can also be obtained in the Codes

Services Department. Owners of single-family dwellings are permitted to do limited repairs in these fields. Prior to obtaining the appropriate permit; you will have to talk to the trades’ inspector for approval. Owners of any rental properties must hire a City of Reading licensed contractor to perform these trades work.

Can I operate a business in my house?

The City of Reading is divided into certain land development zones, each with permitted uses. To find if a home business is permitted at your address, you should call the Zoning Department at (610) 655-6343.

How do I file a complaint or report a blighted property?To report any complaint regarding a City property, you can call or submit the complaint in writing to the Codes

Services Department or report the property to your local neighborhood Community Group or your area code inspector.

What is overgrowth?

Any grass, weed or plant (?) shall not be in excess of six inches. If this occurs it is considered overgrowth. Cultivated flowers or gardens THAT ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED are not considered overgrowth. (THERE IS A COMPLETE LIST OF UNACCEPTABLE PLANTS IN THE WEED ORDINANCE.)

What is the law regarding property maintaince? What is the codes department doing to help clean up Reading?

Reading has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code 2003 edition with local amendments and our inspectors are on the streets enforcing this code. We are doing inspections, giving notices of violations, issue citations with recommended fines as applicable and responding to complaints as well. Our department has broken the city into nine sections and we have one inspector per section. The Codes division also has three floating inspectors to help with the overflow. Our inspectors are expected to be on the street for six hours during their eight-hour workday.

What is the law regarding property maintaince?

The City of Reading has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code 2003 edition with local amendments, which is the governing law in accordance for all properties in the city.

Rules/Laws for landlords and tenants?

The Code’s office is open from 8 am until 4 pm

and any person may come into our office and ask to view a copy of the Property Maintenance Code at no cost to them. IN ADDITION, ANY PERSON MAY VIEW THE PROPERTY FILE ON ANY SPECIFIC ADDRESS IN THE CITY OF READING. The city also has a web site that may contain any updates for them. Another option is that they can entertain is to call out office to set up an inspection, however there is a cost associated for us to perform the inspection.

Do you have a residential rental unit checklist?

The city does have a standard checklist and forms that our inspectors fill out while performing a property inspection.

What About Snow Removal?

Twenty-four hours after the end of the snowstorm, property owners shall provide a 36-inch snow free path for pedestrians to walk. In lieu of the snow free path, placing a substance of gravel, salt, cinders on the sidewalk shall provide a 36-inch slip hazard path.

What is the cost and frequency of Rental Inspections?

At this time the rental inspections are required every three years based upon Reading Property Maintenance Code 2003 edition which was adopted in October 2005. The housing permit cost pays for the cost of inspection which is $50 per dwelling unit or single family dwelling and $25 per each single room (rooming house).

Rental occupant report – due annually to whom?

The owner of rental dwelling unit or rental single family dwelling shall be responsible for providing a certified list of tenants/occupants for listed property before June 01 or December 01 of each calendar year. The owner of rental unit who fails to submit the required tenant/occupant listing shall upon conviction in a summary proceeding be sentenced to fine not less than $500 or not more than $1000 or in default of payment a term of imprisonment not more than 90 days.

How do I find the owner of property on my block?

For this information please visit the Berks County website at http://www.co.berks.pa.us

Who owns which street lights and who should I call when a light is out?

Street lights on wooden poles are owned by MetEd, while those on metal poles are owned by the City. All street light complaints should go to 610-655-6128. We will forward any complaints regarding MetEd facilities to them. The complaint should include an address and a pole number if there is one. The pole number generally is on two yellow tags attached to the pole.

Does the city require a local manager for owners who live more than 25 miles from the city of Reading?

The ordinance bill number 7A-2005 requires that no rental permit/license shall be issued to any rental unit owned or operated by a person residing outside of County of Berks until or unless there is a local agent duly authorized by owner. The bill does not refer any distance requirements of 25 miles from City of Reading boundary.

What is the sequence of steps for permitting, zoning, planning, business taxes, (for opening up a new business)?

Every business that exists in City of Reading needs an approved zoning permit and a business privilege tax license along with an occupancy permit/inspection from building department.

What is the role of the Finance Department?

Role of Finance Department: The role of the Finance Department is to create a unified city accounting system. The Finance Department is responsible for the administration of activities that include: the receipt, expenditure, accounting, investment, custody and control of municipal funds and assets including the budget (both operating and capital); financial accounting, which shall be conducted according to generally accepted accounting principles; investments and insurance; payroll; pension administration; materials management; and all other financial matters that may arise.

How/where do I pay my fees?

All fees that are paid in person are to be paid in the Treasury Office located on the first floor (room 1-33) in City Hall.

How do I notify you of a change of location?

If it is simply a change from one City location to another (and not to a location out of the City), an e-mail, fax, or letter giving the complete change of address (and/or phone number if applicable), along with the effective date of the change is sufficient. However, if the change of address is to an out-of City location, the City will have to have notification in writing from the owner(s), i.e. proprietor, partners, or officers, notifying us of the out of business date.