Reading, PA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed height limit
- 6 inches (152.4 mm) max
- Exempt
- Cultivated gardens, shrubs, flowers, trees
- Fine
- $25 first, up to $100
- Governing code
- Ch. 180, Pt. 12, QOL.004
Summary
Reading's property-maintenance code caps weeds and grass at six inches, but cultivated and managed plantings, including native, pollinator and ornamental gardens, are expressly excluded from that limit and from Quality-of-Life weed citations.
QOL.004 High weeds, grass or plant growth. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches (152.4 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation. Cultivated flowers, gardens, trees and shrubs shall not be included as a violation of this Part.
E. QOL.005 Littering or scattering waste. No person shall throw, dump, place, sweep or dispose of anysolid waste or recyclable material upon any public sidewalk, alley, street, bridge, public passageway, public parking area or on any public property.
F. QOL.006 Motor vehicles. It shall be unlawful to store, park or place any unregistered, uninspected, inoperative, unlicensed or nuisance motor vehicle on any premises. No vehicle shall, at any time, be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth.
G. QOL.007 Operating a food cart illegally. It shall be unlawful to operate any food cart without the proper permits and/or inspections. It shall also be unlawful to operate any food cart while any portion of the cart is inoperable.
H. QOL.008 Operating or vending without the proper permit/license. It shall be unlawful for any person, business, partnership or entity to operate, including but not limited to any business, vending cart, store or establishment
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
The City's Quality-of-Life code (Chapter 180, Part 12) defines 'weeds' as grasses, annual plants and vegetation exceeding six inches, but carves out 'cultivated and managed vegetation planted for edible or ornamental purposes such as vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, flowers.' Section 180-1203.D repeats the exemption for the QOL.004 High Weeds violation: cultivated flowers, gardens, trees and shrubs are not violations. A homeowner converting turf to a native-plant or pollinator garden is protected so long as the planting is intentionally cultivated and maintained, not simply an overgrown, neglected lot.
Violations & Fines
Weeds, grass or plant growth over six inches on any premises draws a QOL.004 ticket: $25 first offense, $50 second, $100 third and subsequent, plus City abatement/cleanup costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with a native or pollinator garden in Reading?
Does Reading require a permit for a native-plant garden?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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