What zoning rules apply to STRs in Reading?

A 1,000-foot separation distance between short-term rentals may be enforced in certain zoning districts.

What are the permit fees in Reading?

At least one off-street parking space is required, or public parking must be available within 700 feet.

What are the key requirements for Reading hosts?

Property must be registered on the city housing-registration roster before an STR license can be issued.

What should Reading hosts know about gross receipts are subject to?

Gross receipts are subject to a 2.25 mill Business Privilege Tax (BPT) payable to the city.

Reading

Permissive

STRs Allowed

PennsylvaniaLast updated: February 12, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Reading requires a Short-Term Rental License, a Zoning Permit, and a Business Privilege License for all short-term rental operations.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $200
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Reading, you must first obtain a city business license and a specific STR license. Your property must meet zoning requirements, which include mandatory off-street parking and a safety inspection. Most residential zones require a 'special exception' permit, and there are rules about how close rentals can be to one another.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$200

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.A 1,000-foot separation distance between short-term rentals may be enforced in certain zoning districts.
2.At least one off-street parking space is required, or public parking must be available within 700 feet.
3.Property must be registered on the city housing-registration roster before an STR license can be issued.
4.Gross receipts are subject to a 2.25 mill Business Privilege Tax (BPT) payable to the city.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Reading: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Reading: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Reading prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational Vehicles, Camper Trailers, Tents.
•Reading does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(12)

•Reading STR warning: At least one off-street parking space is required, or public parking must be available within 700 feet.
•Reading requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Proof of insurance must be submitted with the annual license application.

Application Process(10)

•Reading STR permit - Step 4: Submit Short-Term Rental License Application. Apply for the specific STR license via the Reading Self-Serve portal. Required documents: Proof of ownership, Floor plan, Insurance certificate. Time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 200.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Reading: At least one off-street parking space is required, or public parking must be available within 700 feet.
•Reading charges a registration fee of $200 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $55 (Annual Business Privilege License fee).

Taxes(3)

•Berks charges a Berks County Hotel Room Rental Tax of 0.05%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.
•Reading: Gross receipts are subject to a 2.25 mill Business Privilege Tax (BPT) payable to the city.
•Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Reading limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Reading enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Reading occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Reading requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan identifying all egress points, Safety inspection required every 2 years, House rules must be posted inside the unit.

Penalties(2)

•Reading enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Reading: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Reading exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts.
•Reading: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Unlock: 5-Step Application Guide

Get step-by-step application guides and access to all 51+ markets.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Pennsylvania

Strict

Harrisburg requires a mandatory Short-Term Rental License, enforces strict zoning based on owner-occupancy, and levies a 6% city occupancy tax in addition to state and county taxes.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.2% total tax

Scranton

Pennsylvania

Strict

Scranton requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual rental license, satisfy primary residency requirements, and provide one off-street parking space per guest bedroom.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Hershey

Pennsylvania

Prohibited

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Hershey are regulated by Derry Township and are only permitted in specific commercial and mixed-use zoning districts, with residential zones strictly prohibited.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

State College

Pennsylvania

Prohibited

State College requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license and a separate CRCA safety permit. Properties must be the host's primary residence (8+ months/year) and are capped at 120 rental nights per year.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Reading

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(10)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Scranton

Hershey

State College

Reading

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Reading?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Reading?

3Are there zoning restrictions for STRs in Reading?

4What are the fees for short-term rentals in Reading?

Related Content

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Scranton

Hershey

State College