Reading Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Reading Zoning Overview
Reading is the county seat of Berks County, located in southeastern Pennsylvania along the Schuylkill River. The city has a rich industrial heritage rooted in iron, steel, and railroad manufacturing. Reading's dense urban fabric features blocks of rowhouses characteristic of many Pennsylvania cities. The city has faced economic challenges including population loss and poverty but has pursued revitalization through downtown reinvestment, adaptive reuse of industrial buildings, and cultural initiatives.
The city's zoning is managed by the Community Development Department. Reading's compact geography and dense built environment mean that most development involves infill, renovation, or adaptive reuse rather than greenfield development. The city's historic architecture and urban character present both challenges and opportunities for planning.
Key Zoning Districts
Reading's zoning includes residential districts (R-1 through R-3), commercial districts (C-1, C-2, CBD), and industrial zones. The Central Business District has its own zoning encouraging mixed-use development. Much of the city's residential area is characterized by attached rowhouse development on narrow lots.
ADU Regulations
Reading does not have specific ADU provisions. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU mandate. The city's dense rowhouse fabric may present opportunities for accessory units through conversion, subject to zoning approval.
Development Process
Community Development reviews development applications. Zoning variances go before the Zoning Hearing Board. The Planning Commission reviews larger development plans.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Reading
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 (2018 IBC)
County — Berks County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
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 for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 2,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Reading
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Reading are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Reading permit fees →