Driveway design, curb cuts and off-street parking in Reading are governed by Chapter 600 (Zoning) of the Codified Ordinances, particularly §600-1501 (Private roads and driveways), and by the City's right-of-way and engineering rules administered by the Department of Public Works. Off-street parking ratios for residential and non-residential uses are set in the parking provisions of Chapter 600. Construction in the right-of-way (curb cuts, aprons) requires a City permit.
Chapter 600 of the Reading Codified Ordinances is the City Zoning Ordinance, last comprehensively rewritten in 2014 and amended since. §600-1501 (Private roads and driveways) sets standards for residential and non-residential driveway design, including width, drainage and access. The off-street parking sections of Chapter 600 set minimum off-street parking ratios for each land use; residential single-family dwellings typically require a small number of spaces per unit while non-residential uses are tied to floor area or occupancy. Driveway aprons and curb cuts crossing the City right-of-way require a Street Opening / Right-of-Way permit issued by the City Department of Public Works, which reviews location, width, sight distance, drainage and any impact on street trees or sidewalks. The Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (35 P.S. §7210.101 et seq.) and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code §§401-405) adopt the IBC/IRC statewide and require building permits for driveway-related structures (retaining walls, garages); the Reading Building Inspections / Codes office issues these locally. Parking on lawns or other unimproved surfaces in residential districts is restricted by Chapter 600 design standards and is enforceable as a zoning violation.
Constructing a curb cut or driveway apron without a Street Opening / Right-of-Way permit is enforceable by the City Department of Public Works, which can require restoration at the owner's expense. Off-street-parking and surface violations under Chapter 600 are enforced by the Reading Zoning Office, which can issue notices of violation and refer cases to the District Justice; general Code violations in PA third-class cities are typically punishable by fines up to $1,000 per violation plus costs.
Reading, PA
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