Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Reading

Reading, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Duty holder
Abutting property owner
Notice before City acts
10 days written notice
Fine range
$100 to $1,000
Max jail term
90 days
Unpaid costs become
a lien on the property

Summary

Reading places the duty to build, pave and repair sidewalks squarely on the abutting property owner, who must fix hazards or the City will do it and bill them.

Owners of property abutting on any public street shall, at their own expense, construct, pave, curb, repave and recurb the sidewalks on such property. Owners of property abutting on any public street shall, at their own expense, keep sidewalks along such property in proper good repair in accordance with City standards and maintained free from hazardous conditions.

View official code

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

Under § 508-508, owners of property abutting any public street in Reading must build, pave, curb and keep their sidewalks in good repair at their own expense, free from hazardous conditions. If an owner ignores a written notice from the Director of Public Works, the City has 10 days before it can do the work itself under § 508-509, then bill the owner for the cost. Unpaid costs become a lien against the property, collectible by lawsuit or through the lien process described in § 508-510.

Violations & Fines

Failure to comply is a strict-liability summary offense carrying a fine of $100 to $1,000 plus costs, or up to 90 days in jail, and the City can still lien the property for its own repair costs, per § 508-516.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for fixing a broken sidewalk in Reading, PA?
The owner of the abutting property, at their own expense, under § 508-508 -- not the City, unless the owner ignores a 10-day repair notice.
What happens if a Reading property owner won't repair their sidewalk?
The City can do the work itself after a 10-day notice and bill the owner; unpaid costs become a lien, and violators face a $100-$1,000 fine or up to 90 days in jail.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reading

Encroachment PermitsSome RestrictionsObstruction RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksHeavy RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew Restrictions

All Reading rules

Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview

Get notified when Sidewalk Repair in Reading, PA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.