Reading, PA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Reading is a dense, traditionally rowhouse-oriented third-class city, and its Chapter 600 zoning ordinance reflects that pattern. The four principal residential districts - R-1A (single-family detached, lowest density), R-1 (single-family detached / semi-detached), R-2 (mixed low-density residential) and R-3 (high-density residential, including the central rowhouse fabric) - each have their own bulk schedule of minimum lot area, lot width, front yard, side yard, rear yard, lot coverage and maximum height. Side yards in R-3 and C-R districts are subject to the special rules in §600-904 (no side yard required along an existing party-wall line shared with another principal building, common in Reading's rowhouse blocks); §600-909 provides a front-yard exception that allows a new building to align with the average setback of adjoining existing buildings on the same block. §600-1001 sets out general supplementary requirements that apply across districts. Variances from setback requirements require an application to the Reading Zoning Hearing Board under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (53 P.S. §10101 et seq., the MPC), specifically §910.2 dimensional-variance authority, which requires the applicant to prove unnecessary hardship.