A building permit is required for (but not limited to) the following: concrete work, windows, cabinets, fences, driveways, decks. electrical work, additions, roof work and renovations.
The following DO NOT require a permit: carpeting, painting, wallpapering, and basic gardening, (i.e., planting flowers).
The fee schedule for Residential Building Permits is as follows:
Up to $999.99...........................$16.00
$1,000.00 to $$1,999.99.............$21.00
$2,000.00 or over......................1.5% of the total cost plus a $4.00 state fee.
Commercial Building Permit fees
Up to $3500...........................$29.00
Over $3500......................75% of the total cost plus a $4.00 state fee.
(Building Permit Fees will be tripled if a Permit is not issued before work commences)
A PLUMBING PERMIT must be acquired by a master plumber and the fees vary depending upon the type of work being done. The Borough Plumbing Inspector will inspect all plumbing work and requires a 24 hour notice. All plumbing work must be completed by a plumber licensed in the Borough of West Reading.
A ZONING APPLICATION is required to be filled out for all new businesses and any changes in use for existing businesses. A zoning application is required to operate an in-home occupation; it is also required for all fences (artificial/natural), all decks, all accessory buildings, all driveways, all additions, all home/business remodeling, all new construction and many other building issues. The zoning permit fee is $40.00.
A SOLICITATION PERMIT is required for any door-to-door soliciting (products, services, handing out flyers/any materials, leaving flyers/brochures for residents or to attach door hangers, etc). Permits must be secured prior to any soliciting. Anyone that has obtained a solicitation permit is required to wear a West Reading Borough produced ID badge at all times while soliciting.
A SIGN PERMIT is required for all new signs and/or changes to existing signs. The fee for a initial or new commercial sign permit is $100.00.
An ALARM PERMIT is needed for those properties that possess some type of alarm system. The fee for an alarm permit is $25.00.
A RENTAL OCCUPANCY PERMIT is required for all residential rental units and is to be acquired by the owner of the property. The yearly inspection comes with this permit. The fee for a rental occupancy permit is $75.00 per unit. A tenant listing for all occupants must be completed each year for every rental unit and updated within ten (10) days of any change of occupancy.
A GARAGE/YARD SALE PERMIT is required if you wish to have a garage sale at your home. The first sale is free, but every sale thereafter is $5.00. This does not include any advertised West Reading Borough-Wide sales. Signs for your yard/garage sale may only be posted on your property. It is a violation of a Borough ordinance to post a sign anywhere else in the Borough of West Reading.
A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY INSPECTION is required prior to the sale of transfer of ANY property located within the Borough of West Reading. Please call the Code Enforcement office at 610-374-8273 ext 238 to schedule this inspection. This inspection should be scheduled well in advance of the settlements. A fee of $100.00 for one unit is due prior to the day of inspection or on the day of inspection. Inspections scheduled less than five days from settlement will be charges $200.00. For additional units, the cost is $25.00 each plus a $100 initial fee.
If a contractor is doing work, a copy of his/her certificate of insurance is required BEFORE the permit will be issued. If you are found performing work without the proper permits, the fee TRIPLE. Permits may be filled out at the Code Enforcement Office, at Borough Hall, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you still aren't sure whether you need a permit, please contact the Code Enforcement Department at 610-374-8273 option 1.
Failure to obtain the proper permit prior to starting the work may result in a triple permit fee.
Please plan ahead! All permits are subject to approval and may take up to 30 days to be approved.
