How Reading Handles Building Safety: A Practical Guide

Reading maintains 100 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building safety. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Reading falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Pennsylvania repealed the statewide mandate for sprinklers in new one- and two-family dwellings effective retroactively to January 1, 2011 (Act 1 of 2011). Reading does not impose a local residential sprinkler mandate. New townhouses, commercial buildings, and existing buildings undergoing significant renovation are still subject to the sprinkler triggers in the IBC and IFC adopted at Reading Chapter 180 Parts 11 and 14, including the IFC Section 903 thresholds.

Key details: 1- and 2-Family Dwelling Sprinkler: Not required (Act 1 of 2011 repeal). Townhouse Sprinkler: Required (IRC R313.2). Commercial Trigger: IFC Sec. 903.2 (size/occupancy). Reading Amendment: Sec. 907.2.26 adds alarm + detection. Permit Authority: Building and Trades (610) 655-6284.

Installing or modifying a sprinkler system without a UCC permit is a violation of 34 Pa. Code Section 403.42 and Reading Chapter 180. Penalties under the UCC are up to $1,000 per day under 35 P.S. Section 7210.903. Operating a building required to be sprinklered without functional sprinklers is an IFC 109 violation; the Fire Marshal may issue a Notice of Violation and, for life-safety risks, an order to vacate. Disabling or tampering with a required sprinkler system is also a criminal offense under 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3304 (Criminal mischief).

Pest Control

Reading regulates rodent and insect infestation through Chapter 180 Part 13 (International Property Maintenance Code, 2018) adopted at Sec. 180-1301 et seq., and Section 180-1203 Quality of Life violations. IPMC Section 309 requires extermination of pests by the owner of vacant structures and shared infestations in multifamily buildings; Section 304.5 and 308 require rodent-proofing of exterior openings.

Key details: Code Authority: Reading Ch. 180 Part 13 (2018 IPMC). Pest Elimination Owner Duty: IPMC Sec. 309. Rodent-Proofing Standard: 1/4 in mesh vent / 1/2 in opening (IPMC Sec. 308). Multifamily Rule: Owner responsible if 2+ units affected. Enforcement Phone: 1-877-727-3234.

IPMC violations are enforced by Reading Property and Codes Enforcement through Notices of Violation. Failure to abate within the period stated in the notice (typically 30 days, shorter for severe public-health hazards) can lead to escalating administrative fines and city-contracted abatement charged back to the owner as a municipal lien. Severe infestations in rental units may trigger revocation of the rental housing permit and a notice of unfit for human habitation under Reading Chapter 180 Part 12, Section 180-1203. Pesticide Control Act violations can carry separate civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense plus license suspension.

Lead Paint

Reading regulates lead paint through Chapter 328 (Lead Poisoning Prevention) of the Codified Ordinances, adopted October 23, 2000, alongside the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 4851) and Pennsylvania's Lead Certification Act (35 P.S. Sec. 5901). Application of lead paint to dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses, and child-occupied facilities is prohibited, and children's products must contain less than 90 ppm (0.009 percent) lead.

Key details: Local Code: Reading Codified Ordinances Ch. 328. Adoption Date: October 23, 2000. Lead Limit (Children's Products): 90 ppm (0.009%). Federal Disclosure Rule: 24 CFR Part 35 (pre-1978 housing). EPA RRP Threshold: >6 sq ft interior / >20 sq ft exterior.

Chapter 328 violations are enforced by the City Health Officer and Property and Codes Enforcement. Penalties typically run $100 to $1,000 per day per violation under Reading's general municipal penalty section. The federal Lead Disclosure Rule carries civil penalties up to $19,507 per violation (2024 inflation-adjusted) under HUD/EPA enforcement, plus treble damages payable to the tenant or buyer under 42 U.S.C. Section 4852d(b)(3). Pennsylvania Lead Certification Act violations can result in license suspension and civil penalties up to $5,000 per day.

Compared to other cities, Reading takes a harder line on lead paint. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Reading's building safety rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reading is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Reading's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.