The City of Reading is issuing a reminder to all residents and business owners about the regulations and ordinances regarding sidewalk cafes, sidewalk sales, and sidewalk vendors. This reminder comes in response to an increase in unpermitted open-flame cooking devices being used on sidewalks, which poses significant public safety risks.
Per the International Fire Code 308.1.4, charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. This regulation is crucial to preventing fire hazards in our community.
Additionally, the Reading, PA Code of Ordinances outlines specific regulations for sidewalk cafes and sales:
Sidewalk Cafes (Ordinance 479): Currently, sidewalk cafes are not permitted due to public health and safety concerns. No person shall operate a sidewalk cafe without first applying for and obtaining a permit from the City of Reading Codes Enforcement Office and operating within the terms and conditions of all applicable City ordinances. The sidewalk cafe permit enables a restaurant to have outdoor dining, consistent with the terms herein, between April 15 and October 15 of each calendar year.
Sidewalk Sales (Ordinance 453): No person shall engage in the selling or display for sale of merchandise on any sidewalk without first applying for and obtaining a permit from the City of Reading Codes Enforcement Office and operating within the terms and conditions of all applicable City ordinances.
Mayor Eddie Morán emphasized the importance of adhering to these regulations, stating, “The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority. We urge all residents and business owners to comply with the city’s ordinances to ensure a safe environment for everyone.”
Fire Prevention Lieutenant Trent Zulick added, “Open-flame cooking devices on sidewalks can quickly become dangerous if not properly regulated. We ask everyone to follow the guidelines set forth to prevent any potential fire hazards.”
To view the Codes of Ordinances in full, visit ReadingPA.gov/Government and click on the Code of Ordinances tab. If you notice a violation and would like to report it, you can use the Reading 311 App, contact the Citizens Service Center at 1-877-727-3234, or email CSC@ReadingPA.gov
