Code Regulations
Animals
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.
Grass and Weeds
Grass and weeds shall 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.
Trees and Shrubbery
Trees, shrubs, hedges or other vegetation shall 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.
Vehicle Information
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.
Garage/Yard Sales
A garage/yard sale permit is required to be completed prior to the sale. The first permit is FREE and the second is $5. Only two 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 electrical poles or the planting strip area.
Refuse Ordinance
Please note that Council has enacted a Refuse Ordinance which requires that trash be stored and placed out for collection in durable, watertight containers equipped with handles and tight-fitting covers which cannot be larger than 35 gallons. Refuse and recycling cannot be placed out for collection prior to noon the day before collection. All containers must be removed by 11:59 p.m., the same day as collection and stored upon your individual property. Containers are not to remain in the alley nor on the streets where you place them for collection. At no time may trash/recycling containers be stored in the front of your property or on the front porch or yard area.
If you have any questions or wish to view the ordinances please call or stop in Borough Hall and we will gladly assist you.