Reading, PA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

All parking areas shall be: adequately graded; properly drained; permanently surfaced with concrete, macadam or paving block, or other paving material approved by the City Engineer (such as porous concrete or porous asphalt); and maintained adequately. Stone, dirt and similar loose materials are not permitted, except that the City Engineer may approve crushed stone parking in specific areas of occasional and/or seasonal use and/or in public recreational areas. A lawful existing stone driveway and/or parking spaces for a single-family detached dwelling is not required to be paved, provided it is maintained in stone.

B.   Where a rear or side alley exists or can be feasibly extended, vehicle parking shall be accessed from the alley, as opposed to creating a new driveway entrance onto a public street, except where required otherwise by PennDOT along a state road or where approved otherwise by the City Planning Commission. This provision shall only apply to alleys with a minimum width of 10 feet. For dwellings in the R-1 District, a minimum of 15 feet of depth of open rear yard or recreational patio space shall be maintained, such as between the dwelling and any parking space along the alley. See also limitations on the amount of front yard parking in §