City of Reading Proposed Vacant Property Registry Ordinance

In the latest edition of  Property Lines, David Barr, Community Development Director for the City of Reading, wrote an article outlining the City's proposed Vacant Property Registry Ordinance. 

Based on David Barr's article, R-BAR members have provided feedback to the City. Below are the City's responses to key questions and concerns raised by our members:

Purpose and Target of the Ordinance

First, we want to clarify that the intent of this ordinance is not to burden responsible property owners or those experiencing normal turnover periods. The primary focus is on long-term vacant, abandoned, distressed, and non-compliant properties, particularly those owned by absentee or non-responsive owners.

We recognize that responsible owners already contribute significantly through existing taxes, inspections, and licensing requirements. This ordinance is being structured to differentiate between compliant, active ownership and properties that are contributing to blight and public safety concerns.

Vacancy Determination & Enforcement

Feedback - How will the City determine when a property becomes vacant? Enforcement seems difficult unless owners voluntarily register and pay the $200 fee.

Answer - We agree that relying solely on voluntary compliance would not be effective. As such, the ordinance framework is being considered with a City-led identification component, which may include:

• Use of existing data (code violations, utility shutoffs, inspection history)
• Coordination across departments (Code Enforcement, Fire, Police, Public Works)
• Field verification where necessary

The goal is to ensure that the burden of identification does not fall exclusively on compliant property owners, but rather is supported by proactive City processes.

Non-Responsive / Absentee Owners

Feedback - Why would an additional $200 registration fee solve a problem that already isn’t being enforced? The core issue is absentee owners who do not register properties, pay fees, or respond to communication. The City already has a list of blighted properties, but no meaningful action is taken.

Answer - We share the concern that this is the core issue. The registry is not intended to be a standalone solution, but rather a tool to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, including:

• Establishing a clear legal framework to identify responsible parties
• Supporting escalation strategies, such as citations, liens, and court action
• Creating documented timelines of non-compliance to support legal proceedings

We acknowledge that existing enforcement has limitations, and this ordinance is intended to enhance—not duplicate—those efforts by creating clearer triggers for action and accountability.

While no meaningful action may have been taken in the past about blighted properties, the recently appointed Reading Redevelopment Authority is committed to acting more aggressively on blight and has recently shown accelerated progress towards that end.

Registration Timeline

Feedback - New property owners cannot register immediately due to processing delays (up to 30 days). Proposal requires registration within 10 days of vacancy. Current system does not support compliance with this timeline.

Answer - We recognize the concern regarding the proposed 10-day registration requirement. Based on feedback, this is an area where adjustments are being considered, including:

• Aligning timelines with current processing realities
• Allowing reasonable grace periods for ownership transfer and system onboarding
• Distinguishing between short-term vacancy (turnover) and extended vacancy

It is not the intent to penalize routine transitions that typically occur within 30–60 days or more.

Impact on Responsible Owners

Feedback - This proposal increases the cost of ownership for compliant homeowners and investors. It may discourage investment and homeownership in the City of Reading.

Answer - We understand the concern regarding cumulative costs. As currently being evaluated, the ordinance may incorporate:

• Exemptions or delayed applicability for short-term vacancies
• A focus on properties that remain vacant beyond a defined threshold (e.g., 60–90 days)
• A structure where fees are tied to prolonged vacancy and non-compliance, rather than standard operations

The objective is to avoid discouraging investment, while addressing properties that negatively impact neighborhoods.

Implementation & Collaboration

Feedback - What is the timeline for implementation of this proposal? Is there an opportunity to pause and allow for further planning and stakeholder input? How can we work collaboratively to create a more effective and enforceable solution? 

Answer - At this stage, the ordinance is still under review and refinement. There is no final implementation timeline, as we are actively incorporating stakeholder feedback.

We are open to continued collaboration and would welcome the opportunity to:

• Meet with representatives from the Realtor community
• Review operational challenges in more detail
• Identify practical adjustments to improve enforceability and fairness

Closing

We fully agree with the central point raised: fees alone will not solve the vacancy and blight issue. This ordinance is being developed as part of a broader strategy that includes enforcement, legal action, and interdepartmental coordination.

Our shared goal is to hold negligent and non-responsive property owners accountable, while protecting and supporting responsible owners and investors who contribute positively to the City of Reading.

If you have any feedback after reading Mr. Barr's article and the above answers to key questions and concerns, please email propertysales@readingpa.gov.  As Mr. Barr states, "Input from the real estate community is critical to ensuring that any policy adopted by the City of Reading is both effective and fair, and aligned with our shared goal of improving neighborhood stability and property conditions." 

In addition, Mr. Barr will be at the next Advocacy Committee meeting on April 8th starting at 1 p.m. at the R-BAR office. He'll be answering questions and providing an update an happenings in the City of Reading. No need to register, just show up!