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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Reading
Building permits are required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change in occupancy; for regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems; for pools, spas, and hot tubs; and before occupancy where a UCC certificate of occupancy is required.
Note: City materials point applicants to the PA UCC and zoning-specific requirements rather than publishing a single local exemption list. Applicants should confirm directly with the Zoning Office for case-specific exempt work.
- Completed permit application
- Zoning approval
- Contractor information
- Project cost
- Hard-copy plans (2 sets residential, 2 plus digital for commercial)
- Trade-specific documents
- Fire protection plans for Fire Marshal review where applicable
- Building code
- Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, plus city zoning and trade licensing requirements
- Permit validity
- Permit is void if work does not start within 180 days after issuance or if more than 180 days lapse between required inspections.
- Owner-builder
- Owner may list 'Self' in the contractor field for self-performed work.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a City of Reading trade license number and business privilege license number. Mechanical by current city contractor license; electrical by master electrician with current city contractor license; plumbing by master plumber with current city contractor license.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Obtain zoning approval first using the City Zoning Permit Application.
- 02 Complete the Building and Trades permit application in full. Owner-builders enter 'Self' in contractor field; others must select contractors before submittal.
- 03 Assemble required plans and documents. Residential projects require 2 hard-copy plan sets; commercial projects require 2 hard-copy plan sets plus 1 thumb drive with digital plans prepared by a PA licensed design professional.
- 04 Include all related trade permits and fees at one time unless a deferred submittal request is approved.
- 05 Submit the packet and payment to the City. Checks and money orders must be payable to 'The City of Reading.'
- 06 For electrical permits, obtain third-party electrical plan review and third-party electrical inspections under the city's interim electrical protocol.
- 07 After review and fee acceptance, the city issues the permit. A certificate of occupancy is required before use or occupancy where applicable.
Fee schedule
Reading building permit fees
Checks and money orders payable to 'The City of Reading.' City accepts only correct and complete fee totals with complete applications.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (610) 655-6284 (phone)
Typical sequence: Residential and commercial inspections are project-specific. Reading explicitly requires third-party electrical service, rough, and final inspections where electrical work is involved.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Reading permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Reading, PA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Reading, PA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Reading, PA? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Reading, PA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Trades Division; Zoning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.