Reading, PA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Clean, safe, secure, sanitary condition
- Purpose
- Prevent blight and health hazards
- Self-help
- City may cut weeds, bill owner
- Code
- Ch. 180, Part 13, § 301.3
Summary
Reading requires vacant land and structures to be kept clean, safe, secure and sanitary so they don't cause blight: the same code that limits weeds to six inches on every lot.
301.3 Vacant structures and land. Vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety. 301.3.1 Exterior conditions. The exterior of every vacant structure or accessory structure shall be maintained free of broken windows, loose or deteriorating shingles, siding or decorative features or building materials, crumbling stone or brick, or excessive peeling paint.
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 Property Maintenance Code adopted into Chapter 180, Part 13 of the Reading Code requires vacant structures, the premises around them, and vacant land generally to be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition so they don't create a blighting problem or threaten public health or safety. That duty pulls in the chapter's other maintenance standards, including the six-inch cap on weeds and plant growth, which applies to 'premises and exterior property': a term that covers unimproved as well as improved lots. If an owner ignores a notice of violation, the City may enter the land, cut and destroy the weeds, and bill the owner for the cost.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance triggers a notice of violation and possible compliance order (§§ 106.4, 107.5); if weeds aren't cut, the City may abate them itself and lien the property for its costs (§ 302.4).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Reading regulate maintenance of vacant, unimproved lots?
What happens if I don't cut weeds on my vacant lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.