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Reading, PA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing code
2009 International Building Code, as amended
Exempt trades removed
Electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing: none
Late-start penalty
100% investigation fee added to permit fee
Administered by
Codes Services Division, Trades Group

Summary

Reading requires permits under the 2009 International Building Code, but the city stripped out the code's exemptions for electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing work: every trade job in Reading needs a permit, no small-job exception.

Chapter 1, Section 105.2, is amended by deleting No. 2, No. 6, and the words "cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work" from No. 7. Delete in its entirety "Electrical, Gas, Mechanical and Plumbing."

View official code

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

Reading adopted the 2009 International Building Code as its building code, but City Council rewrote the code's permit-exemption list at Section 105.2. The amendment strikes list items No. 2 and No. 6 outright, trims "cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work" from item No. 7, and deletes the entire "Electrical, Gas, Mechanical and Plumbing" exemption category: leaving those trades with no minor-work carve-out. Anyone starting electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work in Reading needs a permit from the Codes Services Division first; skipping it triggers a 100% investigation fee on top of the regular permit charge.

Violations & Fines

Starting work before the permit issues costs a mandatory 100% investigation fee added to the standard permit fee, and the Building Code Official can post a stop-work order until the violation is corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Reading require a permit for plumbing or electrical work?
Yes. Reading deleted the Electrical, Gas, Mechanical and Plumbing exemption category from its adopted building code, so those trades have no small-job exemption: a permit is required regardless of job size.
What happens if I start construction in Reading without a permit?
The city charges a 100% investigation fee on top of the normal permit fee and can issue a stop-work order until the violation is corrected.

Sources & Official References

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All Reading rules

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