Code Regulations

Pet waste management is an important responsibility of dog ownership. The first step is picking up what your pet leaves behind. The second is making sure it is disposed of properly. A common misconception surrounding pet waste disposal is that Fido or Fluffy’s waste serves as a natural fertilizer. Dog owners take note: this is not true. In fact, leaving pet waste on the ground or concentrating it in one specific area of the yard can seriously harm soil quality and can be dangerous for both families and their pets. Pet waste should always be picked up and removed from your property on a regular basis. It is recommended to scoop waste into a trash bag, then double-wrap with another bag and place in the garbage to be collected and taken to the landfill.

All animals must be on a leash when on the public streets, alleys, sidewalks, park lands, or property of another. Pet owners are responsible for the removal and proper disposal of animal fecal matter when it is deposited on public or private property, alleys, public streets, sidewalks, etc. Pet owners are responsible for keeping their property clean of animal fecal matter which must be removed on a daily basis or within 24 hours. Tethering of an unattended domestic animal is prohibited. Domestic animals may be restrained within a fenced area from which they cannot escape when unattended outdoors, providing that the domestic animals are not otherwise creating a nuisance or violating other provisions of the Borough’s Ordinance and/or State Law rules and regulations.

Pet owners are responsible to prevent continuous noise for a period of ten (10) minutes or intermittently for thirty (30) minutes or more to disturb any person at any time of the day or night unless a person is trespassing or threatening to trespass upon private property or causes to tease or provoke an animal. 

If you need assistance removing any wild animal from your property, you may wish to contact one of the following:

• Ehrlich (610) 372-4500
• Critter Control, Douglassville (610) 385-4495
• Animal Rescue League, Birdsboro, (610) 373-8830
• Siani Pest Control, Inc., Robesonia (610) 589-4091 

Grass and weeds must be maintained at a height less than 10″ at all times throughout the year. All grass and weeds in the planting strip and along the alley are the property owner’s responsibility.

The intent of this regulation is to have every property clearly identifiable to allow emergency personnel to quickly identify your property. All properties are to be clearly marked with their individual house number in the front and rear of the property. The height of the numbering is to be a minimum of four (4) inches and the color must clearly contrast with the background.

Should you have any questions on placement of the numbers, please contact the Code Department at (610) 374-8273, ext 238, we will gladly meet with you to determine proper placement of the numbers.

Homes and properties must be well maintained both inside and outside according to the International Property Maintenance Code. To keep neighborhoods safe, healthy and vibrant, there are also local municipality rules about everything from broken windows in homes to uncut grass and junk in the yard. The Code Department is continually in the process of performing exterior inspections of properties within the Borough. These inspections include commercial as well as residential buildings. We are looking for exterior property violations such as: 

• Unprotected wood framework of building(s), missing or defective rain gutters and downspouts.
• Broken windows or other structural defects to chimneys/decks/porches, etc.
• Porch supports are to be maintained in a safe and sound condition and in good repair.
• Sidewalks are to be maintained free from hazardous conditions.
• Homes should have address numbers displayed on the front and rear of the property 
• Accessory structures shall be maintained and in good repair, etc. 

The International Property Maintenance Code is a model code that regulates the minimum maintenance requirements for existing buildings and exterior property areas. The responsibility for maintenance and upkeep falls on the owners, operators, and occupants of the property. The Property Maintenance Code provides requirements that are intended to maintain a minimum level of safety and sanitation for both the general public and the occupants of a structure, and to maintain a building’s structural and weather-resistance performance.

The International Property Maintenance Code provides specific criteria for regulating the installation and maintenance of specific building components; maintenance requirements for vacant structures and land; requirements regulating the safety, sanitation and appearance of the interior and exterior of structures and all exterior property areas; accessory structures; vehicle storage regulations and establishes who is responsible for complying with the chapter’s provisions. The Property Maintenance Code also contains the requirements for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs and the requirements for protective barriers and gates. In addition, the Code establishes the responsible parties for exterminating insects and rodents and maintaining sanitary conditions in all types of occupancies.

Section 111 of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) allows any person aggrieved by a decision of the code official, or a notice or order issued under the Code the right to appeal to the IPMC Board of Appeals. The Board must meet within 20 days of the submission of an appeal. Hearings are held in Council Chambers at West Reading Borough Hall.

In accordance with the Code, the governing body may appoint three or more members to the Board, serving staggered terms. Members are not required to be residents of the Borough. Members should be qualified by experience and training to pass decisions on matters pertaining to property maintenance. Members may not be employees of the Borough. IPMC Board of Appeals members do not receive compensation.

The fee associated with requesting a hearing is $400.

Trees, shrubs, hedges or other vegetation must not extend into the sidewalk space, streets, or alleyways. Growth shall not be at a height of less than 8′ over any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway or 16′ feet over any roadway. Please do not throw weeds, grass clippings and/or hedge clippings into the street.

Borough Ordinance prohibits parking cars, trucks, RV’s, motorcycles, etc. on the grass on your property or the property where you reside. Vehicles may only be parked on a stone, concrete or macadam pad.

Prior to creating a new parking pad, a zoning permit application and possibly building permit application are required. Please contact the Code Enforcement Department to determine if permits are required.

If you have any questions or wish to view the ordinances please call or stop in Borough Hall and we will gladly assist you.