Reading, PA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Intersection setback
- 40 feet minimum
- Driveway/light pole setback
- 15 feet minimum
- Utility line setback
- 10 feet minimum
- Curbline clearance
- 24 inches minimum
- Species
- must be Arborist-approved
Summary
Reading requires street trees to be Arborist-approved species set back at least 40 feet from intersections, 15 feet from driveways or light poles, and 10 feet from utility lines, with 24 inches of clearance from the curbline.
The Shade Tree Commission shall plant, or permit to be planted, only those tree species on the approved list on file with the Arborist. Trees shall not be planted less than forty (40) feet from the middle of a public road intersection or fifteen (15) feet from a driveway or pole supporting a street light or ten (10) feet away from any sewer, water, gas, and electric or other line or conduit. Actual tree locations shall be approved by the Arborist or the Director.
(2) The center of all newly planted trees shall be not less than twenty-four (24) inches from the curbline. An area, open or with tiles, bricks or other materials which allows sufficient passage of air, water and fertilizer, shall be provided around the base of each shade tree; this area shall be not less than twenty-four (24) square feet (4 feet wide x 6 feet long). The Arborist may, whenever he/she deems necessary, waive the provisions of this section.
(3) When a tree has grown beyond the twenty-four (24) foot space between the base of the tree and the edge of the curb line, the sidewalk shall be repaired or relayed at the expense of the property owner so that at least twenty-four (24) inches is left between the base of the shade tree and the edge of pavement. This requirement shall be in effect for all owner-occupied premises when title is transferred and shall be included in the buyer's notification. Otherwise, this requirement shall take effect in accordance with the law.
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 the Shade Tree Ordinance, the Shade Tree Commission may plant only tree species on the Arborist's approved list, and location is controlled: trees must sit at least 40 feet from a public road intersection, 15 feet from a driveway or light pole, and 10 feet from sewer, water, gas or electric lines. Newly planted trees must be centered at least 24 inches from the curbline, in a pit of at least 24 square feet. All locations require Arborist or Director sign-off, and a written permit is separately required under § 555-106 before any planting occurs in the right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Violating tree planting standards or planting without a permit carries a fine of up to $600 plus costs, or up to 30 days' imprisonment in default of payment; each day of continued violation is a separate offense (§ 555-114).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant any tree species along a Reading street?
How close to an intersection can a street tree go in Reading?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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