Reading, PA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Reading, PA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Alley setback
- 3 feet minimum for garage door
- Max height
- 25 feet
- Stories allowed
- One, plus second-story storage
- Size trigger
- Over 600 sq ft needs full setback
Summary
Reading allows a private garage or carport in the rear setback if the vehicle door sits at least three feet from an alley, capped at 25 feet tall and one story.
A private garage (which may include a carport) for vehicle parking and household storage that is accessory to a dwelling is allowed within the rear setback, provided any vehicle garage door is set back a minimum of three feet from an alley... A. The garage structure shall not exceed 25 feet in height. B. The garage shall not exceed one story, except a second story may be used for household storage. C. A garage that is larger than 600 square feet in building floor area shall meet the principal building setbacks.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 600-1002 treats a carport as a form of private garage: it may sit within the required rear yard as long as any vehicle garage door is set back a minimum of three feet from an alley. The structure can't exceed 25 feet in height or one story, though a second story may be used for household storage. A garage or carport larger than 600 square feet of floor area loses that accessory-structure break and must instead meet the setbacks that apply to the principal building.
Violations & Fines
Building a carport or garage that crowds the three-foot alley setback, exceeds 25 feet in height, or tops 600 square feet without meeting principal-building setbacks is a zoning violation subject to Zoning Administrator enforcement and permit denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a carport in my backyard in Reading?
How big can a Reading carport be before stricter rules apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
How Reading compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania accessory structures overview
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