Permits

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Prior to beginning a project, please contact our office to determine if a permit is needed.

Borough of West Reading adopted the statewide building code, officially known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). 

The UCC set minimum standards for design and construction. The UCC has adopted the International Code Council Family of Codes. For more information on the PA Uniform Construction Code go to: PA L&I Building Code Website 

What is a Building Permit?

It's an official document or certificate issued by the Borough and regulated by the State which has jurisdiction and authorizes performance of a specified activity. The building project must be in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. 

Why Do I Need a Building Permit?

The Building Codes are minimum safety standards of all building construction. These codes ensure the safety of you, your family, anyone entering the building/structure and all future occupants. 

A building permit is required for all projects involving construction of any type, including the placement of pre-fabricated accessory structures, electrical, plumbing, heat source upgrades, installing an artificial or natural fence, creating a parking space, sidewalk replacement, retaining walls, etc. Review our Permit Application Procedure and Building Permit Information for help with applying for building and zoning permits.

Permit Information:

When your project includes constructing a new commercial building or structure, adding on to a commercial building or making structural and/or non-structural alterations to a commercial building, please complete the Building Permit Application and submit the required 3 sets of drawings for review.

Berks County Conservation District approval is required for any earth disturbance equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet. Please see their project application.

The following upgrades do not require a permit: carpeting, painting, wallpapering and landscaping

A Certificate of Insurance is required prior to issuance of a permit for any contractor performing work within the Borough. Applications may be submitted to the Code Enforcement Office located within Borough Hall. Please call to check on the status of your application prior to allowing any work to commence. 

If a homeowner is performing repairs or the contractor is a sole proprietor and does not carry workers' compensation coverage please submit a worker's compensation affidavit with every permit application. 

Property Owners with Commercial Space: 

Prior to renting your commercial space to a particular type of business please contact the Zoning Officer to determine if this is a permissible use in your zoning district.  The Zoning Officer can be reached in the Code Enforcement Department. 

Prior to remodeling your building for any business, please contact the Zoning Officer and the Commercial Building Inspector to determine what type of upgrades may be required.

Plumbing:  

A plumbing permit must be acquired when installing new plumbing fixtures, drain lines and water lines within a house or business, and when installing or altering venting systems. Please complete the building application when doing bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations, additions involving plumbing, and new homes. Note: In residential construction; swapping out an existing fixture with a brand-new fixture located in the same exact location does not require a permit. Also, Council approved the removal of Master Plumbing Licensing requirements during the 2020 budget.

Property Transfer Inspection:

A Certificate of Occupancy Inspection is required prior to the sale or transfer of ANY property located within the Borough. The Borough wants to ensure all single and multiple family dwellings meet certain zoning and property maintenance requirements prior to the property transfer. In order to effectively and efficiently ensure the dwelling units are in compliance, the Borough Code Enforcement Officer must inspect each property before the transfer of title. 

The fee for this inspection is $125 for a single unit, add $25 for each additional unit. Inspections scheduled less than five (5) business days from the settlement will be charged $250. 

Applications for the Property Transfer Inspection may be completed by the seller, buyer, or agent for the seller or buyer of the property. The inspection fee must accompany the application form. 

Certificate of Occupancy Application

Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Checklist

Temporary Sign:

Temporary Sign Permit is required prior to installing any type of banner, special sale signage, flags, pennants, and similar temporary signs such as "A" Frame signs, etc. There is no fee for this permit.

Permanent Sign:

Signs perform an important function, but a minimum control of signs is necessary to promote the health, safety and general welfare by lessening hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Sign regulations can be found here. When you are ready to apply for a sign permit, please submit a sign application.

Alarm Device:

An Alarm Permit is required for all alarmed properties within the Borough, there is a one-time permit fee of $50. Please be aware that after three (3) false alarms within a calendar year a fine of $100 will be issued for each and every false alarm thereafter until December 31st. Please contact the Code Enforcement Department promptly with any change to alarm company or emergency contact information. 

Burning:

Burn Permit is required prior to the use of any type of chimenea or outdoor fireplace unit. All portable fireplace units must be located a minimum of 25 feet from all structures in the yard area. This permit application must be approved by the Fire Chief or Fire Marshal. The burn permit fee is $30 annually.

Home Rental:  

Prior to renting any area of your property as a residential rental unit, please contact the Code Enforcement Department to schedule an inspection. Also, see the "Rental Property" tab for additional information. 

A Rental Occupancy Permit is required for all residential units and is to be acquired by the owner of the property.  The annual fee for a rental occupancy permit is set by resolution of Borough Council, which includes a mandatory bi-annual (every two years) interior and exterior inspection of every rental unit. Below is a summary of items that will be inspected:

  • Ceilings mist be in good condition with no large cracks or holes that allow drafts, or large amounts of loose or falling plaster.
  • Walls must be in good, clean and sanitary condition with no peeling paint, loose plaster, rotten wood or defective surface conditions.
  • Floors must be in good condition with no holes, large cracks, missing or warped floorboards.
  • Painted surfaces must show no peeling, chipping or flaking paint.
  • Windows must be easily opened, weather tight and in sound condition.
  • Wiring must be in working order and every habitable space in a unit shall require at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets. Broken or frayed wiring, missing cover plates, or badly cracked outlets are not acceptable.
  • Sinks must be maintained in a sanitary, safe working condition with hot and cold running water.
  • Tub and/or shower shall be in every dwelling unit and shall be maintained in a sanitary, safe working condition with hot and cold running water.
  • Toilets must flush and work properly.
  • Other rooms not lived in must be free from mechanical, electrical and security hazards. There must be no large holes in the floors, ceilings or walls, and ensure all stairways are in safe condition.

A tenant listing form is required within 10 days of any change in occupancy as well as on an annual basis regardless of any changes.

Garage/Yard Sale:

Garage Sale/Yard Sale Permit is required to be completed prior to the sale. The first permit is FREE and the second one is $5. Only two (2) garage/yard sales are permitted per calendar year. This does not include any advertised West Reading Borough wide event. Signs for your yard/garage sale may only be posted on your property. Signs may not be placed on telephone or electric poles or in the planting strip. 

Street/Sidewalk Opening:

A Street/Sidewalk Opening Permit Application is required whenever a street or sidewalk is required to be cut to renew/install new underground service and/or digging to repair any underground utility services. The fee is $50.00 for each sidewalk cut and $100 for each basic street cut, the first 100' (or fraction thereof) for mains is $200, each additional 100' (or fraction thereof) is $50. Sidewalks must be restored per Borough specifications which also requires a building permit to be obtained prior to work commencing. PLEASE NOTE: A PA 1 call MUST be placed at least 3 business days prior to any digging to allow marking of underground utility lines. 

Zoning:

Zoning Permit Application must be submitted and approved prior to allowing occupancy of any commercial space, installation of fence, creating parking areas, installation of a shed or accessory structure, etc. If a zoning application is denied by the Zoning Officer, the applicant may request a hearing before the West Reading Zoning Hearing Board.

Sidewalk Cafe:

Throughout the year street level restaurants within the downtown area can utilize the sidewalk for outdoor dining by obtaining an annual permit. A Sidewalk Cafe Permit Application and fee are due by January 31st. 

Dumpster/Storage Container:

Dumpster or Storage Trailer Permit is required prior to placing a dumpster or POD within the street. Please give a minimum of 2 days' notice prior to having the dumpster/POD placed.