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Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals in Reading, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Reading or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Reading has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Reading allows short-term rentals by right in its commercial districts and by special exception in R-3, but only inside a conforming dwelling meeting district-specific spacing rules, and requires a Zoning Permit covering a use-and-occupancy agreement, maintenance specs and nuisance terms before renting begins.

Key details: Governing section: § 600-1108, Short-Term Rentals. Adopted: 10-13-2025, Ord. No. 58-2025. By-right districts: C-C, C-R, C-N, C-H. Special exception district: R-3 only. R-3 spacing rule: 1,000 ft from another STR unit.

Because Section 600-1108 sits inside Chapter 600, Zoning, violations run through Section 600-206: operating a short-term rental without the required Zoning Permit, or outside the district and spacing limits set in Subsection A, exposes the owner to a civil enforcement judgment of $100 to $500 per violation plus court costs and the City's attorney fees, imposed by a Magisterial District Judge, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate violation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Reading's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Noise Rules

Reading bars short-term rental guests from disorderly conduct or excessive noise, and holds the owner or manager responsible for stopping it.

Key details: Prohibited: Loud, unusual, excessive noise. Also barred: Disorderly conduct, fighting. Responsible party: Owner or manager. Added by: Ord. No. 58-2025.

Enforced as a zoning violation under § 600-206: civil judgment of $100-$500 per day the violation continues, plus court costs and attorney fees.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Reading requires at least one off-street parking space at every short-term rental, or nearby public parking as a substitute.

Key details: Minimum on-site spaces: 1 off-street space. Public-lot alternative: Within 700 feet. Added by: Ord. No. 58-2025.

Enforced as a zoning violation under § 600-206: civil judgment of $100-$500 per day the violation continues, plus court costs and attorney fees.

Occupancy Limits

Reading caps short-term rental overnight guests at two per bedroom, twelve total, plus day guests up to half the overnight maximum.

Key details: Overnight limit: 2 guests per bedroom. Overnight cap: 12 guests maximum. Day guest cap: 50% of overnight max. Added by: Ord. No. 58-2025.

Enforced as a zoning violation under § 600-206: civil judgment of $100-$500 per day the violation continues, plus court costs and attorney fees.

Extended Home Share

Reading allows short-term rentals only in its C-C, C-R, C-N and C-H commercial districts by right, or in R-3 by special exception, spaced 500 to 1,000 feet apart and capped at 12 overnight guests.

Key details: Permitted by right in: C-C, C-R, C-N, C-H districts. R-3 requires: special exception approval. Max overnight guests: 12 (2 per bedroom). Manager must live within: 30 miles. Minimum spacing in R-3: 1,000 feet apart.

Operating outside a permitted district or over the guest and parking limits violates § 600-1108; the record owner is responsible for occupant conduct and can face zoning enforcement for repeated disorderly-conduct or capacity violations.

This is one of the stricter rules in Reading's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Reading is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Reading, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.