Frequently
Asked Questions
General City Questions
What is and how do
I get involved with the Citizen Police Academy?
What activities can
my family and I do in Reading?
How do I obtain a
marriage license?
What are the senior programs in
Reading? What are my options for senior housing? How can
I help a senior citizen?
What’s the history of Reading?
What information do you have about
Abandoned Vehicles?
Abandoned Vehicle on Public Property
(Highway, street or alleyway); Police Action*
Private Property: Not Posted with
Tow Away Notice
Private Property: Posted with Tow
Away Notice
Storage of Vehicles on Public Property
- Streets, Highways, Alleyways
Motor Vehicle Nuisance: Codes
Department Action**
What can I do for snow and ice
complaints?
What is the Steet Sweeping schedule?
What information do you have on
Yard Waste/Leaf Collection?
City Council Questions
Who are the City Council members?
How can I contact/communicate with
my council person?
What are the districts?
Who is the City Clerk and what is
her function?
What are the various council meetings?
Where and when are they held?
How can I obtain a copy of an Ordinance or the Frequently
Used Ordinance Book?
Can I address Council at their meetings?
Where can I find information about the City's Boards,
Authorities and Commissions?
How can I apply to be on the City's Boards, Authorities
and Commissions?
What is the Code of Ethics? How can I obtain a copy
of the Code of Ethics?
How can I make a complaint to the
Board of Ethics?
What is the Home Rule Charter? How can I obtain
a copy of the Charter?
What is the Charter Board? How can
I make a complaint to the Charter Board?
What is the difference between Commission
Government and Home Rule Government?
What records are stored in the City Clerk’s
Office?
What records are considered “public”
by Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Act?
What is Citizen Initiative and Referendum?
Can the Council Office help me with
a complaint about City Services?
Codes Questions
How do I get
a Building Permit?
How do I apply for a building permit?
What is and how do I get
involved with the Citizen Police Academy?
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.
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