Reading's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Reading, Pennsylvania, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Encroachment Permits

Before setting curb, opening a sidewalk, or building a vault under one, Reading requires a permit from the Director of Public Works for any private encroachment into the public right-of-way.

Key details: Permit needed for: curb, sidewalk, vault work. Issued by: Director of Public Works. Fine for no permit: $100 to $1,000. Max jail term: 30 days. Fee schedule: set in Chapter 212, Fees.

Unpermitted curb or sidewalk work is a summary offense carrying a fine of $100 to $1,000 plus costs, or up to 30 days in jail, with each day of continued violation a separate offense and possible liens for City costs.

Sidewalk Repair

Reading places the duty to build, pave and repair sidewalks squarely on the abutting property owner, who must fix hazards or the City will do it and bill them.

Key details: Duty holder: Abutting property owner. Notice before City acts: 10 days written notice. Fine range: $100 to $1,000. Max jail term: 90 days. Unpaid costs become: a lien on the property.

Failure to comply is a strict-liability summary offense carrying a fine of $100 to $1,000 plus costs, or up to 90 days in jail, and the City can still lien the property for its own repair costs, per § 508-516.

Obstruction Rules

Reading's code bars placing or erecting any obstruction on a sidewalk, alley, street, bridge or public passageway anywhere in the city. Temporary barriers or warning signs put up to protect the public are exempt. A conviction under Chapter 536 carries a fine of up to $1,000 plus costs, with jail time of up to 30 days if the fine goes unpaid, and each day a blockage remains is a separate offense.

Key details: Governing chapter: Ch. 536, Tampering With Public Property. Maximum fine: $1,000 plus costs per offense. Jail exposure: Up to 30 days if fine unpaid. Repeat violation rule: Each day of obstruction is a new offense. Safety exemption: Temporary barriers/warning signs to protect the public.

A first conviction under §536-105 draws a fine of up to $1,000 plus court costs. If the fine and costs go unpaid, the violator faces up to 30 days in jail. Every additional day an obstruction, defaced sign, ignored barrier or scattered rubbish is left in place counts as a new, separately punishable offense, so a blockage that sits for a week can multiply the total fine several times over.

The Bottom Line

Reading's sidewalk & pedestrian rules 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.

These rules come from Reading's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.