Building Permits in Reading

Reading administers local building and trade permitting under Pennsylvania's statewide Uniform Construction Code (UCC) framework.

Applications and portal

In March 2025 the City launched Reading Self-Serve, an online permitting and licensing portal that allows users to submit applications, pay invoices, check status and receive approvals. The City also publishes a Building and Trades Permit Application and separate zoning-permit procedures; zoning approval should not be confused with building-code approval.

Pennsylvania's UCC requires covered construction/building work to be permitted and inspected and requires a certificate of occupancy before a covered building or facility is used. Emergency repairs/equipment replacements have a specific state procedure allowing work before permit issuance when an application is submitted to the building code official within three business days; this is not a general permit exemption.

Reading does not publish a single reliable project-independent building-permit review duration in the primary sources used here, so none is estimated. Fees and professional-seal requirements should be checked for the particular project and current UCC provisions.

Official sources

• Reading Self-Serve launch: https://www.readingpa.gov/press-releases/1685-city-of-reading-introduces-online-permitting-and-licensing-portal-reading-self-serve
• Reading Building and Trades Permit Application: https://www.readingpa.gov/building-and-trades-permit-application
• Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/bureau-of-occupational-and-industrial-safety/uniform-construction-code-home
• Pennsylvania UCC Building Permit guidance: https://www.pa.gov/services/dli/apply-for-a-uniform-construction-code-building-permit

Disclaimer: Confirm current City fees, zoning prerequisites, inspections and design-professional requirements before filing.