Reading, PA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Review body
- Memorial Review Committee + City Council
- Historic districts
- Also need HARB approval
- Current status
- Moratorium on new memorials
- Vandalism
- Prosecuted under PA Crimes Code
Summary
Reading requires city review and City Council approval before any monument, statue, marker or plaque can be placed on public property, and currently has a moratorium on new memorials.
A. Any organization or entity wishing to place upon public property any artwork, artwork installation, monument, statue, marker or plaque (the memorial structure) for the purpose of memorializing an individual, group, or event, shall submit such proposal to the Director of Public Works... F. Approval of the placement or relocation of any memorial structure shall require the approval of City Council.
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
Anyone wanting to place a monument, statue, marker, plaque or other memorial structure on City of Reading public property must submit a proposal to the Director of Public Works, who refers it to a Memorial Review Committee of city and preservation officials. The Committee evaluates the site, design, durability and maintenance plan and reports to City Council, which must approve every placement or relocation. Memorials proposed inside or next to a historic district also need Historic Architectural Review Board approval. Council has additionally imposed a standing moratorium on new memorial structures on public land unless the Committee recommends one and Council approves it by resolution.
Violations & Fines
Unapproved placement violates §§ 396-501-396-503; damaging a memorial can be prosecuted as Criminal Mischief or Institutional Vandalism under 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 3304, 3307, and skateboarding or riding on a memorial is a summary offense up to $500 (§ 396-502).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a statue or plaque on Reading city property?
Who maintains a memorial once it's approved in Reading?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania historic preservation overview
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