Structure & Services

The Office of Code Services comprises of Code enforcement division and Building/Trades inspection division. The following is the list of services provided.

Code Enforcement Division Services

1. Provide code enforcement inspections for the City of Reading properties in order to achieve compliance with City codes and ordinances.

2. Attend housing/property maintenance complaints lodged with the Office of Code Services in an efficient and timely manner.

3. Provide pre-settlement inspections through the City code enforcement officers and City approved private home inspectors. The City of Reading plans to bring this function back in 2008.

4. Provide health inspections for food establishments, restaurants and grocery stores, per the City health ordinance.

5. Provide health inspections for illegal trash dumping, odors, animal waste, stagnant water, lead paint, mobile vendors, animal bites, trash truck inspections and handicapped parking.

6. Administer housing permits, trades permits, health permits, administrative fees and penalties; also support building inspection division on as needed basis.

Building/Trades Inspections Division Services

1. Provide new construction, alteration, renovation and repair permits for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades.

2. Provide review of building plans submitted by contractors, builders and homeowners. Coordinate accessibility and elevator review with Labor & Industry State Department of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

3. Conduct trade board meetings; attend City of Reading apprentice program meetings and act as a proctor for all trade license examinations. Resolve contractor and citizen disputes through mediation and conflict resolution techniques.

4. Provide progress inspections for all construction activities in the City of Reading. Also provide occupancy and use permit inspections.

5. Conduct pre-construction and design review meeting to facilitate the development review and construction process. Manage and conduct one stop permit shop meetings.

6. Provide support to community development programs for neighborhood beautification projects. Also provide support to code enforcement officers for structural integrity and specific trade requirements.