Reading, PA Short-Term Rentals: Parking Rules (2026)

Reading's Zoning Ordinance, accessible via the city eCode360 portal (RE1294), sets off-street parking minimums by use type and district. Single-family dwellings typically require at least one off-street space; multi-family dwellings require additional spaces per unit. Because Reading has not classified short-term rentals as a separate use, STR operators must satisfy the parking requirement of the underlying dwelling use plus any zoning-board condition imposed at special-exception approval (when STR is allowed). On-street parking in much of central Reading is governed by Residential Permit Parking Districts administered by the Reading Parking Authority (RPA, readingparking.com). In permit zones, non-permitted vehicles are limited to 2 hours during enforcement hours and are otherwise ticketed or towed. The RPA does not issue guest permits to STR visitors automatically; some districts allow limited daily visitor passes that the property owner must request. Reading is a dense Third-Class City with narrow streets, and parking complaints from neighbors are a frequent driver of STR-related Quality of Life tickets and zoning-enforcement actions. Best practice: confirm off-street parking capacity matches the maximum occupancy advertised, post parking instructions in the listing, and obtain visitor permits in advance where the RPA program permits.