Reading, PA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Reading Codified Ordinances § 600-1803 makes it unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, construction or development anywhere in the City without first obtaining a floodplain zoning permit from the Floodplain Administrator; only minor repairs to existing buildings or structures are exempt. , per § 600-1801, to promote public health and safety, encourage flood-resistant construction, protect the water supply and natural drainage, and reduce the financial burden that flood damage imposes on the City and its residents, per § 600-1802.

The Zoning Administrator serves as the Floodplain Administrator under § 600-1807 and, per § 600-1809, coordinates permit review with other required approvals, including Chapter 515 Subdivision and Land Development, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, the Clean Streams Act, and Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act. Where this Part conflicts with another City ordinance, § 600-1804 applies whichever provision is more restrictive. Section 600-1806 disclaims City liability for flood damage from reliance on the Part or on any permit decision, warning that floods larger than the regulatory design flood can still occur.