The Centre Park Historic District is regulated by City Ordinance. Historic District designation helps to stabilize and increase property values, and 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.
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 Office
Room 3-03 City Hall
815 Washington Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-655-6326
Any 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 the Ordinance
There are several additional aspects of the Historic District Ordinance worth noting. 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.)
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.
CONVERSTION OF SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES is prohibited. No more than one family may occupy any single-family property.
