Property Maintenance in Reading, PA (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for Reading, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
Reading's property maintenance code defines blighted property to include public nuisances, two-year tax-delinquent vacant lots, and unfit dwellings, letting the City record a formal Declaration of Blight against the deed.
Reading PA Blighted Property Rules
Significant RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 180-1301, IPMC § 108.1.3.1(A)(1)
Blighted property shall include: Any premises which because of physical condition or use is regarded as a public nuisance at common law, or has been declared a public nuisance in accordance with the local housing, building, plumbing, fire and related codes.
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Reading requires vacant land and structures to be kept clean, safe, secure and sanitary so they don't cause blight: the same code that limits weeds to six inches on every lot.
Reading PA Vacant Lot Maintenance Duty
Some RestrictionsReading City Code § 180-1301, Property Maintenance Code § 301.3
301.3 Vacant structures and land. Vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety. 301.3.1 Exterior conditions. The exterior of every vacant structure or accessory structure shall be maintained free of broken wi...
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
Reading requires sidewalks cleared of snow and ice within 2 hours downtown or 4 hours citywide after snowfall stops, backed by escalating $25 to $250 fines.
Reading PA Sidewalk Snow Removal Deadline
Some RestrictionsReading Codified Ordinances § 180-1203(L)
QOL.012 Snow and ice removal from sidewalks. Every owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, property agent or any other person who is responsible for any property within the City of Reading is required to remove any snow or ice from their sidewalk. Any property located along Penn Street, Washington Street and/or Court Street... shall have all snow or ice removed within two hours of the cessation of sai...
Looking for Berks County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Reading city rules.
Property Maintenance in Berks County →