Owning Property
in an Historic District
Historic District designation helps to stabilize and increase property values, and to make our neighborhood more attractive. The City of Reading's Historic District Ordinance prevents property owners from making changes to their property that would adversely impact the historic integrity of the District. It also specifically prohibits the conversion of single-family units into apartments.
At first glance, the requirements for making changes may seem complicated. But, in reality, the process is streamlined and in most cases doesn't add significantly to the cost or the time required to make improvements. In fact, you may find that financial resources are available to assist you in making property improvements!
In addition, several related ordinances support Quality of Life objectives of Historic District residency.
Making Property Improvements
All exterior work to every property in the District -- including painting -- requires advance approval. At least 10 days in advance of any work, an application must be submitted to the City's Preservation Office, and must include samples of specific colors and materials to be used in the project:
City of Reading Planning OfficeRoom 3-03 City Hall815 Washington StreetReading, PA 19601610-655-6326Any physical changes to properties, including demolition, repair, or restoration, must be approved in advance. Owners must file a Certificate of Appropriateness form with the City's Historic Preservation Office (there is no application fee). Some proposals will require the approval of the Historical Architectural Review Board.
A building permit may also be required; the Planning Office will advise you if this is the case.
Approved work must be completed within one year.
Other Aspects of Ordinances
in Support of Historic Districts
There are several additional City Ordinances which impact property owners in an Historic District. They include:
MAINTENANCE: Properties must be appropriately maintained at all times. Failure to do so may result in a finding of "demolition by neglect."
TRASH BINS & DUMPSTERS may not be visible from the street. This includes all properties and apartment buildings.
PORCH FURNISHINGS are restricted to appropriate outdoor furniture (not couches, upholstered chairs, etc.). Wooden benches and traditional wicker-style porch furnishings are the norm.
SALE OF PROPERTY: Propery owners and their agents must disclose to prospective buyers that the subject property is within a designated Historic District. In addition, City Ordinance requires all properties be inspected prior to a new owner taking occupancy.
CONVERSION OF SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES to multi-family rental properties is strictly prohibited. No more than one family may occupy any single-family property. While there are many community-minded and responsible landlords within the District, and renters are an integral and valued part of our community, would-be multi-family property owners should use due caution and understand the Historic District and related Codes regulations are strictly and vigorously enforced.
SATELLITE DISHES cannot be visible from a public right-of-way if they detract (which almost all do) from the architectural integrity of the District. However, satellite TV services are allowed to the extent that the placement of the dish is not visible from the street.
NOISE ORDINANCES preclude the transmission of loud music or noise from homes and vehicles that are audible at a distance of more than 50 feet. Owners of rental properties are advised to inform tenants of this restriction; multiple violations (3 or more) will result in the forced eviction of tenants.
Facade Improvement Grant Program
Resources may be available through the City's Historic Preservation Office to assist property owners in the refurbishment and restoration of building facades within the Centre Park Historic District. For additional information, contact Amy Woldt Johnson, Historic Preservation Specialist for the City of Reading; her phone number is 610-655-6414 or you can e-mail her at amy.johnson@cityofreadingpa.org.
Additional Historic District Information
Here's a link to additional information about Historic Districts; this is from the City of Reading.
The Centre Park Historic
District, Inc.707 North Fifth Street
Reading, PA 19601-2209
610-375-7860
