ADU rules for Reading
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Reading, PA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
23,351
Owner-occupied
61%
Zoning districts
18
Avg Home Value
$43,101
Median Lot Size
0.04 acres
Avg Income
$53,215
Residential Types:
23,351 housing units
Single Family
86%
2-3 Family
10%
Apts (4+ units)
4%
Other
1%
Zoning Districts:
26,338 parcels · 18 districts
R-3
76%(20,138)
R-2
8%(2,122)
R-1
5%(1,332)
C-R
3%(675)
Other
8%(2,071)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Reading, PA?
Reading, PA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Not permitted
- –Detached ADU: Not permitted
Max Units
- –1 dwelling unit per lot
Parking
- –General off-street parking ratios apply for residential uses; no ADU-specific standards or waivers (detached dwellings = 2 spaces per dwelling; attached/multifamily and conversions = 1.5 spaces per dwelling).
ADU State Law
What can you build in Pennsylvania?
- –Pennsylvania does not have a statewide ADU mandate; ADU rules are set by individual municipalities.
- –Building/fire codes are set statewide, but whether an ADU is allowed is local zoning.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other Pennsylvania municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Berks County
Amity Township (Berks)Boyertown Borough (Berks)Cumru Township (Berks)Douglass Township (Berks)Earl Township (Berks)Exeter Township (Berks)Lower Heidelberg Township (Berks)Maxatawny Township (Berks)Muhlenberg Township (Berks)Pike Township (Berks)Richmond Township (Berks)Robesonia Borough (Berks)Spring Township (Berks)