Jurisdiction and research scope
City of Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania only. Sources read November 6, 2026. American Legal 2026 S-8 edition; §564-105 lists amendments through January 4, 2021, Ordinance 98-2020. Later ordinances and the 24-hour rule versus 48-hour enforcement wording require confirmation. Confirm subsequent ordinances and parcel-specific approvals before relying on these provisions.
Research by Can I Park My RV?Official municipal sourcesEditorial standard
City of Reading RV parking at a glance
| Location or use | What to check |
|---|---|
| Can I park an RV on private property? | Section 564-105B(2) provides a private-property option for mobile homes and RVs designed or adapted as mobile dwellings, including truck-camper-equipped vehicles, no longer than 24 feet and no heavier than 12,000 GVW. It expressly requires compliance with §600-1602A–B. This parking exception does not authorize dwelling use. |
| Which locations have the 24-hour restriction? | Subsection B(1) prohibits more than 24 hours in plain view from the public right-of-way for attached or unattached motorized boats, trailers, camping trailers or DOT Class 5-or-greater vehicles in R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3, C-R, C-N, R-PO and Preservation districts. This can reach private property visible from the street; it is not just an on-street limit. Confirm the vehicle class, district and exceptions. |
| What surface and access rules apply? | Section 600-1602A requires graded, drained, maintained, permanently paved parking or other City Engineer-approved paving. Loose material is generally excluded, with specific approved crushed-stone exceptions and a lawful existing stone driveway/parking exception for a detached home. Under B, an existing or feasibly extended alley at least ten feet wide generally supplies access rather than a new street driveway, subject to PennDOT or Planning Commission exceptions. R-1 homes retain fifteen feet of open rear yard or recreational patio depth; R-2/R-3 front-yard limits also need consideration. |
Can I park an RV on private property?
Section 564-105B(2) provides a private-property option for mobile homes and RVs designed or adapted as mobile dwellings, including truck-camper-equipped vehicles, no longer than 24 feet and no heavier than 12,000 GVW. It expressly requires compliance with §600-1602A–B. This parking exception does not authorize dwelling use.
Which locations have the 24-hour restriction?
Subsection B(1) prohibits more than 24 hours in plain view from the public right-of-way for attached or unattached motorized boats, trailers, camping trailers or DOT Class 5-or-greater vehicles in R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3, C-R, C-N, R-PO and Preservation districts. This can reach private property visible from the street; it is not just an on-street limit. Confirm the vehicle class, district and exceptions.
What surface and access rules apply?
Section 600-1602A requires graded, drained, maintained, permanently paved parking or other City Engineer-approved paving. Loose material is generally excluded, with specific approved crushed-stone exceptions and a lawful existing stone driveway/parking exception for a detached home. Under B, an existing or feasibly extended alley at least ten feet wide generally supplies access rather than a new street driveway, subject to PennDOT or Planning Commission exceptions. R-1 homes retain fifteen feet of open rear yard or recreational patio depth; R-2/R-3 front-yard limits also need consideration.
Can I get a temporary parking permit?
Each household may apply to Police Traffic Enforcement for no more than two temporary RV permits allowing parking at the property beyond 24 hours. The published fee is $50 barring special exception, the permit must be displayed on the dashboard while the vehicle is unused, and the Chief or designee sets duration. Do not assume two annual permits or a fixed permit duration: the text does not supply those details.
Does the 48-hour wording allow a longer stay?
No general 48-hour permission follows. The operative RV provision says 24 hours, while enforcement notice and the penalty table use 48 hours. Ask Police how those provisions interact. Exemptions include PennDOT pickup class 4B and lower, antique/classic vehicles and implements of husbandry. Commercial vehicles of 10,000-pound GVWR or greater have a separate one-hour public-view rule with actual delivery/service exceptions.
Can guests sleep or use hookups?
The cited parking exception is not permission for sleeping, ongoing residence or utility installation. Confirm occupancy and the exact property use separately; do not treat a police parking permit as a camping permit.
What about street parking or loading?
The private-property small-RV exception is not a street exemption. The separate commercial delivery/service exception is not a universal RV loading allowance. Signs, vehicle rules and traffic controls remain applicable.
Who to ask about your setup
Give City of Reading zoning staff the parcel address, vehicle type and dimensions, intended location, duration and any occupancy or hookups. Ask police about the exact street and posted restrictions. Confirm easements, private covenants and later amendments separately.
Use the City of Reading parking checker to organize the starting conditions. The checker cannot approve a parcel, a variance or an unverified exception.
Official sources reviewed November 6, 2026
- Reading §564-105
American Legal 2026 S-8 edition; §564-105 lists amendments through January 4, 2021, Ordinance 98-2020. Later ordinances and the 24-hour rule versus 48-hour enforcement wording require confirmation.
- Reading §600-1602A–B parking surface and access
2026 S-8; B includes February 14, 2011 amendment. All cross-referenced private-property parking conditions remain applicable.
A review date records when we checked these sources. An address-specific city determination may still be required. Read our research method.
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