Reading, PA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Reading has adopted the National Electrical Code (as referenced by the current PA-adopted International Building Code and International Residential Code) as its Electrical Code, then amended it locally at § 180-702. The adopted text makes it unlawful to commence any installation of an electrical system for lights, heat, or power, in existing buildings or in new construction, reconstruction, alteration, or repair, without first applying for and obtaining a permit from the Electrical Code Official. Service and repair permits must be secured within five days of starting work; new construction permits before work starts; emergency work within three days. A short list of minor like-kind repairs (e.g., replacing defective wiring devices, ballasts, or lamps without altering branch wiring) is exempt.