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PREFACE
Chapter C HOME RULE CHARTER
Chapter 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Chapter 5 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Chapter 14 AUTHORITIES
Chapter 23 BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS
Chapter 36 FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES
Chapter 51 INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM
Chapter 62 PENSIONS
Chapter 70 PERSONNEL
Chapter 77 POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chapter 91 SALARIES AND COMPENSATION
Chapter 120 ALARM SYSTEMS
Chapter 127 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Chapter 141 ANIMALS
Chapter 166 CABLE TELEVISION
Chapter 173 COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY CODE
Chapter 180 CONSTRUCTION CODES
Chapter 185 CONVERSION THERAPY
Chapter 188 CURFEW
Chapter 195 DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES
Chapter 201 ELECTRIC SERVICE
Chapter 212 FEES
Chapter 219 FIREARMS
Chapter 225 FIREWORKS
Chapter 231 FIRE INSURANCE PROCEEDS
Chapter 237 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
Chapter 251 FOOD CODE
Chapter 272 GRAFFITI
Chapter 288 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Chapter 295 HISTORICAL AND CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
Chapter 302 HOUSE NUMBERING
Chapter 308 HOUSING
Chapter 317 INVASIVE PLANTS AND NOXIOUS WEEDS
Chapter 325 LAW ENFORCEMENT
Chapter 328 LEAD POISONING PREVENTION
Chapter 332 LIBRARY
Chapter 339 LICENSES AND PERMITS
Chapter 346 LITTER AND ADVERTISING MATERIAL
Chapter 353 LOITERING AND PANHANDLING
Chapter 364 MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Chapter 378 MUNICIPAL CLAIMS AND LIENS
Chapter 387 NOISE
Chapter 396 PARKS AND RECREATION
Chapter 403 PAWNBROKERS
Chapter 410 PEDDLING AND SOLICITING
Chapter 424 POLES
Chapter 431 PROPERTY SALES
Chapter 433 PUBLIC ART
Chapter 438 RAIN BARRELS
Chapter 442 RECORDS, PUBLIC ACCESS
Chapter 453 SALES
Chapter 460 SCRAP METAL DEALERS
Chapter 467 SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL
Chapter 473 SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
Chapter 479 SIDEWALK CAFES
Chapter 485 SIGNS
Chapter 496 SOLID WASTE
Chapter 502 STORAGE FACILITIES
Chapter 505 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Chapter 508 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
Chapter 515 SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 521 SUSTAINABILITY
Chapter 536 TAMPERING WITH PUBLIC PROPERTY
Chapter 540 TATTOO AND PIERCING ESTABLISHMENTS
Chapter 543 TAX ABATEMENTS
Chapter 546 TAX AMNESTY PROGRAM
Chapter 549 TAXATION
Chapter 555 TREES
Chapter 564 VEHICLE NUISANCES, STORAGE OF
Chapter 570 VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS
Chapter 576 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter 583 VENDING MACHINES
Chapter 600 ZONING
Chapter A610 ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY
Chapter A611 BOND ISSUES AND LOANS
Chapter A612 FRANCHISE AND SERVICES
Chapter A613 GOVERNMENTAL AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Chapter A614 PLAN APPROVAL
Chapter A615 PUBLIC PROPERTY
Chapter A616 SEWERS
Chapter A617 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
Chapter A618 WATER
Chapter A619 ZONING; PRIOR ORDINANCES
Chapter DT DERIVATION TABLE
Chapter DL DISPOSITION LIST
§ 212-113. Fire prevention, fire protection and medical transportation.
[Adopted 5-29-2012 by Ord. No. 62-2012; amended 3-11-2013 by Ord. No. 12-2013; 2-17-2015 by Ord. No. 7-2015; 1-23-2017 by Ord. No. 6-2017; 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. 79-2022; 9-26-2022 by Ord. No. 112-2022; 11-28-2022 by Ord. No. 125-2022; 2-24-2025 by Ord. No. 14-2025; 2-24-2025 by Ord. No. 15-2025; 2-24-2025 by Ord. No. 16-2025]
   A.   Costs for emergency services provided by the City of Reading, PA - Department of Fire and Services.
 
Apparatus
Engine:
$400 per hour
Ladder:
$450 per hour
Rescue:
$350 per hour
Deputy Chief
$125/hour
Ambulance
$150/hour
 
Equipment/Service
Equipment/Service
Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
$75 each
Fire hose (50 feet)
$35
Gas/Co Detector/Heat Gun
$50 per use
Air monitoring/Thermal imager
$100
Deodorizer
$25 per use
Fire Extinguisher (any class)
$100 per use
Fire Police Services
$100 per hour
Hand Tools
$50 each
Hydraulic Rescue Tools
$300 each
Scene Lighting
$100 per hour
Oil booms
$50 each
Oil Absorbent Sheets
$35 each
Oil Dry
$65 per bucket
Portable Pumps
$45 per hour
Power Tools
$50 each
Road Closing/Traffic Control
$100 per hour
Salvage Covers
$45 each
Vehicle Fire Blanket
$1,750 each
Mineral Fire Suppression Agent
$85
Battery Fires
   -Small drum (disposable)
   -Large drum (disposable)
 
$500
$600
Disposal of Battery Waste
$500
Battery Fire Response Kit (disposable)
$3,500
Debris Cleanup/Removal
$275
Flares
$12 each
Ventilation Fans
$100 each
IR Camera
$100 each
Foam
$125 per gallon
Cribbing:
 
   -Passenger
$150 each
   -Class B
$250 each
   -Trucks-Class A
$550 each
Stabilizing Struts
$100 per use
Latex Gloves
$12 per pair
Ladders
$75 per use
Medical Extrication (Using hydraulic tools)
$1,750 per patient
Generator
$50 per hour
Handlight
$15 per use
Wetting Agent
$30 per unit
Fire Line Tape
$0.50 per foot
Manpower
$75 per man per hour
Investigations
$150 per hour
Fire Marshal Coveralls (if destroyed)
$75
Fire Marshal Over Gloves (single use)
$10
Evidence Cans
   -1 Pint Can
   -1 Quart Can
   -1-Gallon Can
   -5-Gallon Pail
 
$8
$10
$15
$50
Evidence Supplies
$20
Straw Broom
$15
Fire investigation boots (if destroyed/contaminated)
$500
Electrical Cords
$80
Portable Lighting
$35 per unit
Camera Equipment
$35 per use
Respiratory Supplies
$125 per investigator
UAV Deployment
$100/hour
Standby emergency medical services fee
The fee for services provided pursuant to Section 36-115, fees for standby medical services; right of first refusal, shall be $175 per hour prorated to the nearest half hour.
 
   B.   Costs for nonemergency services provided by the City of Reading, PA - Department of Fire and Services.
Section
Description of Fee
Fee
Section
Description of Fee
Fee
F-101
Administrative fee for retrieval of fire report
$75
F-102
Engine for standpipe testing
Engine - $125/hour (minimum 2 hours)
Two firefighters - $90/hour (minimum 2 hours)
$250
$360
 
 
Each additional standpipe
$100
 
Processing of detail
$90
F-103
Water removal
 
 
   Engine - $125/hour
$250
 
   Two firefighters - $90/hour (minimum 2 hours)
$360
 
   Processing of detail
$90
F-104
Lock-out/accessing a property
$75
F-105
Consultation fees
   Testimony in any litigation
 
$75/hour
 
   In office discussion with insurance fire investigation, adjusters, attorneys, etc. regarding civil litigation
$50/hour
 
   At scene discussion with insurance fire investigations, adjusters, attorneys, etc. and/or regarding civil litigation
$75/hour
F-107
Application for alternative design method
$100 (flat fee)
F-108
Fire investigation
 
 
   Copies
$1/page
   
   Photographs on medium
$75 per incident
 
   Fee for reviewing files
$50
F-109
Health & Safety Inspection
$100/hour
F-110
Service calls (not defined by other category)
$125
 
   Firefighter charge
$90/hour
 
   Engine charge (minimum 2 hours)
$125/hour
 
   Ladder charge (minimum 2 hours)
$180/hour
 
   Processing of detail
$75
F-111
Firewatch
 
 
   Two firefighters -$90/hour(minimum 2 hours)
$90/hour
 
   Engine charge (minimum 2 hours)
$125/hour
 
   Ladder charge (minimum 2 hours)
$180/hour
 
   Other/miscellaneous as determined by Fire Chief
$75/hour
F-112
No Show - Failure to request cancellation in writing no less than 24 hours prior to start of scheduled inspection
1st - $75
2nd - $125
3rd - $175
F-113
Re-inspection fee (failure to correct violations following 1st re-inspection)
$75
F-114
Late payment of inspection permit fee prior to 60 days (applicable to pre and post collections process)
$25
F-115
After hours inspections/tests normal work hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
$75/hour
F-116
Emergency Responder Coverage Enhancement System (ERCES) - Signal Survey
$75/hour (2 hour minimum)
 
   C.   Other matters involving fee schedule.
      (1)   Appeals. Unless otherwise noted by law, to appeal a bill for a service provided under the above fee schedule, the appellant must submit a request in writing within three business days of receipt of the original bill for service. The request must set forth the information on the bill and is to be addressed to the City of Reading - Fire Marshal, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-41 Reading, Pennsylvania 19601. The Fire Marshal or in his/her absence the Fire Prevention Lieutenant may address the appeal.
      (2)   Collections. All bills for services provided and billed under the above fee schedule and as set forth herein which are not paid in full within 60 days of the original date of billing shall be turned over to a collection agency for receipt. This provisions shall not apply to situations where arrangements have been made and confirmed in writing prior to the expiration of the aforesaid 60 days for payment to be made on such debt.
      (3)   Restitution. In addition to the fees set forth above, the City of Reading - Department and Fire Rescue Service reserves the right to charge and issue bills to recover costs and fees beyond that set forth herein when required to mitigate, abate, render safe or respond to any situation, emergency or nonemergency, which is a result of clear negligence or failure to comply with and follow code requirements and verbal instructions provided to the responsible party by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
   D.   Unnecessary/needless fire and medical alarm responses.
      (1)   Whereas, the Department of Fire and Rescue Services reserves the right to bill for nonemergency and emergency calls. The determination of "needless alarms" is in accordance with the language below and the opinion of the Fire Code Official.
      (2)   Needless alarms/false alarms. The City of Reading - Department of Fire and Rescue Services shall charge for response(s) to calls resulting from the repeated activation of fire and medical alarm systems due to causes other than smoke or fire or the intended use of the medical alarm system. Such cases shall include, but are not limited to the following:
         (a)   Alarm activation for no apparent cause.
         (b)   Alarms resulting from failure to properly maintain or repair a fire alarm system.
         (c)   Failure to protect devices from dust, dirt, and/or fumes as a result of construction, fumigation or similar condition.
         (d)   Failure to use proper exhaust or ventilation equipment to prevent activation of detection devices by cooking, smoke steam, fumes, etc.
         (e)   Intentional activation of alarm when no emergency exists.
Alarm in Calendar Year
Fee
Alarm in Calendar Year
Fee
1
Free (no charge)
2
$60
3
$80
4
$130
5
$130
6
$180
7
$180
8
$180
9
$180
10
$280
11
$280
12
$280
13
$530
For each alarm 14 and greater (over 13) in a calendar year
$550 per alarm
 
   E.   Other matters involving fee schedule with the City of Reading through ordinance bill.
      (1)   Appeals.
         (a)   Unless otherwise provided by law, to appeal a bill for a service provided under the above fee schedule the owner/tenant must request a hearing thereof by submitting a written request therefore within three business days of receipt of the original bill for service. Said request must set forth the information on the bill and shall be addressed to:
         Department of Fire and Rescue Services
         c/o Fire Marshal, Suite 1-41
         815 Washington Street
         Reading, Pennsylvania 19601
         (b)   The Fire Chief and/or Fire Prevention Lt. may address the appeal in the absence of the Fire Marshal.
      (2)   Collections. All bills for services provided and billed under the above fee schedule and as set forth herein which are not paid in full within 60 days of the original date of billing shall be turned over to a collection agency for receipt. This provisions shall not apply to situations where arrangements have been made and confirmed in writing prior to the expiration of the aforesaid 60 days for payment to be made on such debt.
      (3)   Restitution. In addition to the fees set forth above, the City of Reading - Department and Fire Rescue Service reserves the right to charge and issue bills to recover costs and fees beyond that set forth herein when required to mitigate, abate, render safe or respond to any situation, emergency or nonemergency, which is a result of clear negligence or failure to comply with and follow code requirements and verbal instructions provided to the responsible party by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
   F.   Fire Code inspection fees. Annual fee for Fire Code inspection of use/occupancy.
Section
Description of Maintenance Inspection
Fee
Section
Description of Maintenance Inspection
Fee
PI-101
Assembly occupancies
 
 
   Class A - Occupant levels exceeding 1,000
$175
 
   Unless building is 30,000 square feet or greater
$275
 
   Class B - Occupant levels 301 - 1,000
$150
 
   Class C - Occupant levels 50 - 300
$125
PI-102
Apartment occupancies
 
 
   Class A - Exceeding 22 units per building
$350
 
   Class B -10 to 21 units per building
$200
 
   Class C - 3 to 9 units per building
$125
PI-103
Business occupancies
 
 
   Class A - Exceeding 30,000 square feet per building
$275
 
   Class B - 10,001 to 30,000 square feet per building
$175
 
   Class C - Less than 10,000 square feet per building
$125
PI-104
Daycare occupancies per building
 
 
   Class A daycare center (13 or more persons receiving care)
$175
 
   Class B group daycare (6 - 12 persons receiving care)
$125
 
   Class C home daycare (1-5 persons receiving care)
$100
PI-105
Educational occupancies
 
 
   Class A - Less than 10,000 square feet
$125
 
   Class B - More than 10,000 and less than 30,00 square feet
$175
 
   Class C - More than 30,000 square feet
$250
PI-106
Factory occupancies
 
 
   Class A - Exceeding 30,000 square feet per building
$300
 
   Class B - 10,001 to 30,000 square feet per building
$225
 
   Class C - Less than 10,000 square feet per building
$175
PI-107
Institutional occupancies
 
 
   Class A - Occupant levels exceeding 401 per building
$300
 
   Class B - Occupant levels 201- 400 per building
$250
 
   Class C - Occupant levels less than 200 per building
$200
PI-108
Hotels/motels
 
 
   Class A - Exceeding 51 rooms per building
$325
 
   Class B - 26 - 50 rooms per building
$275
 
   Class C - 5 to 10 rooms per building
$225
PI-109
Lodging/rooming house
 
 
   Class A - Exceeding 26 units per building
$275
 
   Class B - 11 to 25 units per building
$225
 
   Class C - 5 to 10 units per building
$175
PI-110
Mercantile
 
 
   Class A - Exceeding 30,000 square feet or 3 floors per building
$275
 
   Class B - 5,000 to 30,000 square feet per building
$225
 
   Class C - Less than 5,000 square feet per building
$175
PI-111
Storage occupancies
 
 
   Class A - exceeding 30,000 square feet per building
$275
 
   Class B - 10,001 to 30,000 square feet per building
$225
 
   Class C - less than 10,000 square feet per building
$175
PI-112
Other/miscellaneous as determined (per hour)
$75
PI-113
Re-inspection fee (failure to correct violation noted after 1st re-inspection)
(In addition to each respective legal action)
1st - free
2nd - $75
3rd - $125
Additional reinspections -
$150/each
PI-114
Late payment of inspection fee prior to 60 days (applicable to pre and post collections process)
$75
 
   G.   Definitions of above terms (if not defined, see City of Reading Fire Prevention Code, 2018 Edition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
   AFTER-HOURS INSPECTIONS/TESTS - Inspections performed and tests witnessed after normal working hours.
   ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES - Buildings in which people gather for such purposes as civic, social, religious functions, entertainment, digging, amusements or awaiting transportation.
   CHRONIC VIOLATION - Including but not limited to a problem that continues to exist over a period of time without mitigation, failure to correct or abate, failure to cease action.
   EDUCATIONAL - Schools, academics, kindergarten and nursery.
   HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION - Inspection includes written verification that the building complies with the City of Reading Fire Prevention Code.
   HEALTH CARE FACILITIES - Hospitals, nursing homes, medical institutions.
   LODGING/ROOMING HOUSE - Guesthouse, bed-and-breakfast, and foster homes.
   REINSPECTION FEE - For each inspection that is required as a result of the need to reschedule a scheduled inspection for one or more of the following reasons:
       (1)   Work not constructed/completed in accordance with applicable code(s)/standard(s)/approved construction document(s).
      (2)   Work incomplete at time of requested inspection.
      (3)   Access to work requiring inspection not provided.
      (4)   Failure to correct noted violations upon second and future reinspection(s).
   H.   Operational permit fees. Permits required to perform operational activities set forth herein as defined by the City of Reading Fire Prevention Code (2018 Edition):
Section
Operation
Fee
Section
Operation
Fee
105.6.1
Aerosol products
$175
105.6.2
Amusement buildings
$175
105.6.3
Aviation facilities
$175
105.6.4
Carnivals and fairs
$175
105.6.5
Cellulose nitrate film
$175
105.6.6
Combustible dust-producing operations
$175
105.6.7
Combustible fibers
$175
105.6.8
Compressed gases
$175
105.6.9
Covered and open mall building
$175
105.6.10
Cryogenic fluids
$175
105.6.11
Cutting and welding
$175
105.6.12
Dry-cleaning
$175
105.6.13
Exhibits and trade shows
$175
105.6.14
Explosives
$175
105.6.15
Fire hydrants and valves
$175
105.6.16
Flammable and combustible liquids
$175
105.6.17
Floor finishing
$175
105.6.18
Fruit and crop ripening
$175
105.6.19
Fumigation and insecticidal fogging
$175
105.6.20
Hazardous materials
$175
105.6.21
HPM facilities
$175
105.6.22
High-piled storage
$175
105.6.23
Hot work operations
$175
105.6.24
Industrial ovens
$175
105.6.25
Lumberyards and woodworking plants
$175
105.6.26
Liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings
$175
105.6.27
LP gas
$175
105.6.28
Magnesium
$175
105.6.29
Miscellaneous combustible storage
$175
105.6.30
Mobile food preparation vehicles
$175
105.6.31
Motor fuel-dispensing facilities
$175
105.6.32
Open burning
$175
105.6.33
Open flames and torches
$175
105.6.34
Open flames and candles
$175
105.6.35
Organic coatings
$175
105.6.36
Outdoor assembly event
$175
105.6.37
Places of assembly
$175
105.6.38
Plant extraction systems
$175
105.6.39
Private fire hydrants
$175
105.6.40
Pyrotechnic special effects
$175
105.6.41
Pyroxylin plastics
$175
105.6.42
Refrigeration equipment
$175
105.6.43
Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities
$175
105.6.44
Rooftop heliports
$175
105.6.45
Spaying or dipping
$175
105.6.46
Storage of scrap tires and tire by-products
$175
105.6.47
Temporary membrane structures and tents
$175
105.6.48
Tire-rebuilding plants
$175
105.6.49
Waste handling
$175
105.6.50
Wood products
$175
105.6.51
Fireworks (includes plan review fee and inspection)
$300
 
   I.   Other matters involving permits/inspection fees.
      (1)   Appeals. Unless otherwise provided by law, to appeal a bill for a service provided under the above fee schedule, the appellant must submit a request in writing within three business days of receipt of the original bill for service. The request must set forth the information on the bill and is to be addressed to the City of Reading - Fire Marshal, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-41 Reading, Pennsylvania 19601. The Fire Marshal or in his/her absence the Fire Prevention Lieutenant may address the appeal.
      (2)   Collections. All bills for services provided and billed under the above fee schedule and as set forth herein which are not paid in full within 60 days of the original date of billing shall be turned over to a collection agency for receipt. This provisions shall not apply to situations where arrangements have been made and confirmed in writing prior to the expiration of the aforesaid 60 days for payment to be made on such debt.
      (3)   Penalties. Commencement of use or occupancy of a premise and any system installation which require an inspection and permit thereto will result in preclusion of use or occupancy of such premise or building until an inspection has been performed and a permit issued. Additionally, such use or occupancy may subject the violator to prosecution as authorized by law and / or doubling of the permit fee.
      (4)   Refunds. The City of Reading will not issue refunds for fees/monies paid following submission for review of a construction permit or plan review whether or not the plan or project is built/completed.
      (5)   To acquire an operational permit an applicant must submit, in addition to the appropriate fee, the documentation and information for such a permit per the regulations established by the Fire Marshal for the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. A permit will not be issued nor a plan therefore reviewed until compliance with the established regulations occurs and the appropriate fee received.
      (6)   Penalties. Performance of the aforesaid operation without a permit or operation performed in excess of a permit will result in a change of 100% of usual permit fee in addition to the normal fee (or doubling the cost of the permit fee). Additionally, such performance pf operation may subject the violator to prosecution as authorized by law.
      (7)   Refunds. The City of Reading will not issue refunds for fee/monies paid following submission for review of the requirements for an operational permit or plan review whether not the plan or project is built/completed.
      (8)   Restitution. In addition to the fees set forth above, the City of Reading - Department of Fire and Rescue Services reserves the right to charge and issue bills to recover costs and fees beyond that set forth herein when required to mitigate, abate, render safe or respond to any situation, emergency or nonemergency, which is a result of clear negligence or failure to comply with and follow code requirements and verbal instructions provided to the responsible party by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
   J.   Certificate of fitness program.
      (1)   No person shall engage in the following activities without firs obtaining a certificate of fitness listing by the Fire Code Official (City of Reading - Office of Fire Marshal).
      (2)   A certificate of fitness shall be obtained by all applicants/vendors (companies or person(s)) for the purposes of conducting any operations or performing an act for which a certificate of fitness is required as set forth below:
         (a)   Application. The applicant shall meet the standards and regulations established by the Fire Marshal including certificate of insurance covering the work requested, workmen's compensation for employees as required by federal, state or local mandated regulations, laws, and statutes. Additionally, an exhibition of appropriate levels of education, training, and certification, and experience shall be submitted to the Fire Marshal for review and certificate of fitness issuance prior to any work commencing. The applicant and all employees engaging in the specified work shall have a strong familiarity and understanding of fire protection systems/fire code application for which a certificate of fitness is requested. An application on a form prescribed by the Fire Marshal and a fee ($150 per category applied for) as established by resolution of City of Reading Council, shall be submitted to the Department of Fire and Rescue Services - Office of Fire Marshal for review and approval for each system described herein for which an applicant seeks to obtain a certificate of fitness.
         (b)   Certificates of fitness shall be valid for one year beginning January 1 through December 31 of each calendar year. Certificate holders must reapply each calendar year, and provide the fee as established by City Council for each category which the contractor seeks approval and listing. Performance of work on a system described below in the City of Reading, PA; without a certificate of fitness shall cause the violator to be precluded from applying for a certificate of fitness for a period of one (1) calendar year, and subject the violator to fines, double fee costs, citations, and additional costs as provided for herein.
         (c)   Additional categories. The Fire Code Official may require a Certificate of Fitness for certain process which pose an unusual risk to the public safety or in cases or in cases or as part of the code modification process.
         (d)   Certificate of fitness categories and fees:
   
CF -101
Automatic fire alarm systems (NRTL listed)
Installation/service/inspection
CF -102
Sprinkler/standpipe
Installation/service/inspection
CF -103
Emergency Responder Coverage Enhancement Systems (ERCES)
Installation/service/inspection
CF -104
Automatic suppression systems
Installation/service/inspection
CF -105
Central stations (NRTL listed)
Retransmission/record keeping/ reporting/runner's service(all elements per NFPA 72)
CF -106
Fire extinguishers
Installation/ service/inspection
CF-107
Fireworks/pyrotechnics
Displays/demonstrations/ performance
CF -108
Blasting/explosives
Use/storage/transportation
CF -109
Other
As defined by Fire Code Official
 
   K.   Fire protection systems - construction permits and plans examination review fee.
      (1)   Permits shall be required from Department of Fire and Rescue Services - Office of Fire Marshal for and prior to construction, installation, etc for the following work as defined in the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, as adopted by the City of Reading:
      105.7.1- Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems
      105.7.1.1 - Automatic Sprinkler Systems
      105.7.2 - Battery Systems
      105.7.3 - Capacitor Energy Storage Systems
      105.7.4 - Compressed Gases
      105.7.5 - Cryogenic Fluids
      105.7.6 - Emergency Responders Radio Coverage
      105.7.7 - Fire Alarm and Detection Systems and Related Equipment
      105.7.8- Fire Pumps and Related Equipment
      105.7.9- Flammable and Combustible Liquids
      105.7.10 - Fuel Cell Power Systems
      105.7.11 - Gas Detection Systems
      105.7.12 - Gates and Barricades Across Fire Apparatus Access Roads
      105.7.13 - Hazardous Materials
      105.7.14 - High-piled Combustible Storage
      105.7.15- Industrial Ovens
      105.7.16-LP-Gas
      105.7.17 - Motor Vehicle Repair Rooms and Booths
      105.7.18 - Plant Extraction Systems
      105.7.19 - Private Fire Hydrants
      105.7.20 - Smoke Control and Smoke Exhaust Systems
      105.7.21 - Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems
      105.7.22   Special Event Structure
      105.7.23 - Spraying or Dipping
      105.7.24- Standpipe Systems
      105.7.25- Temporary Membrane Structures and Tents
      (2)   The cost of the permit shall include plan review and inspection, issuance of the permit as well as contact during plan review. The fee for a plan review and issuance of a permit for construction as described herein shall be the greater of 1.75% of job cost or a $125 minimum. Proof of job cost required. If requested, expedited plan review is 3.50% cost of the job. The plans will be reviewed and a permit letter indicating approval or denial will be issued. The expedited plan review is for one submission only. 
      (3)   To acquire a construction permit a person/developer must submit an application on the form prescribed by the Fire Marshal and comply with the requirements set forth on the application and packet in which it is encompassed including but not limited to submission of all necessary plans, documents, etc. A plan will not be reviewed nor a permit issued without completed application and receipt of all requisite documentation and fees.
      (4)   As-built drawings. If it is determined that the job costs greatly differentiate from the as-built cost to save monies on the fee for the permit and plan review, the Fire Marshal shall have sole discretion and reserves the right to undertake any and all appropriate and applicable methods including but not limited to commencement of legal action to obtain the difference of the fee submitted for a permit and estimated job costs and the as-built costs.
      (5)   Consultation fee. In additional to the fee for a permit set forth herein, a fee of $75 per hours shall be charged for consultation either in person or video conference with the Fire Marshal or in his/her absence Fire Prevention Lieutenant for consultation prior to submission of plans for review and subsequent to approval of plans and issuance of permit beyond one hour total time.
      (6)   Penalties. Commencement of a systems construction project prior to plan review or working without a permit or work performed in excess of a permit shall result in the permit fee being doubled.
      (7)   Refunds. The City of Reading - Department of Fire and Rescue Services will not issue refunds for fees/monies paid for plan review for a system construction permit following payment of the fee and submission of a plan regardless if the system is built.
      (8)   Revised plans. Should a person/contractor or developer elect not to proceed with construction of a project following submission and review of plan and/or receipt of approval/denial therefore but rather redesign the plan on their own, they shall be required to recommence the process of obtaining a permit and review including but not limited to payment of the fee in full.
   L.   Plans examination fee for architectural construction plan review.
      (1)   Review of architectural plans to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, statutes and ordinances enforced or overseen by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services - Office of Fire Marshal based on the International Fire Code (2018 Edition) as adopted by the City of Reading.
      105.7.26- Architectural Construction Plan Review:
      The cost of a permit shall include plan review and inspection, issuance of the permit as well as consultation during plan review. The fee for a plan review and issuance of a permit for construction shall be based on the value of the project as described herein:
 
Value of the Project
Fee
Up to and including $500,000
$300
$500,001 - $1,000,000
$600
For each $500,000 over $1,000,000
$250
 
      (2)   To acquire a construction permit a person/developer must submit an application on the form prescribed by the Fire Marshal and comply with the requirements set forth on the application and packet in which it is encompassed including but not limited to submission of all necessary plans, documents, etc. A plan will not be reviewed nor a permit issued without completed application and receipt of all requisite documentation and fees.
      (3)   As-built drawings. If it is determined that the job costs greatly differentiate from the as-built cost to save monies on the fee for the permit and plan review, the Fire Marshal shall have sole discretion and reserves the right to undertake any and all appropriate and applicable methods including but not limited to commencement of legal action to obtain the difference of the fee submitted for a permit and estimated job costs and the as-built costs.
      (4)   Consultation fee. In additional to the fee for a permit set forth herein, a fee of $75 per hours shall be charged for consultation either in person or video conference with the Fire Marshal or in his/her absence Fire Prevention Lieutenant for consultation prior to submission of plans for review and subsequent to approval of plans and issuance of permit beyond one hour total time.
      (5)   Penalties. Commencement of a systems construction project prior to plan review or working without a permit or work performed in excess of a permit shall result in the permit fee being doubled.
      (6)   Revised plans. Should a person/contractor or developer elect not to proceed with construction of a project following submission and review of plan and/or receipt of approval/denial therefore but rather redesign the plan on their own, they shall be required to recommence the process of obtaining a permit and review including but not limited to payment of the fee in full.
   M.   Costs for emergency services (EMS) provided by the City of Reading, PA - Department of Fire and Rescue Services. The purpose of this Part is to establish uniform criteria for the billing of emergency medical services as per the terms defined herein as provided by the City of Reading Fire Department EMS Division.
 
EMS - 911 Service Calls
Ordinance No.
Code Citation
Type of Call
Current Fee
 
 
BLS
$700 to $865
 
 
ALS 1
$850 to $1,180
 
 
ALS 2
$900 to $1,210
 
 
Mileage
$10 per mile to $16 per mile
 
 
 
   As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
   ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT ASSESSMENT - Advanced life support (ALS) assessment is an assessment performed by an ALS crew as part of an emergency response that was necessary because the patient's reported condition at the time of dispatch was such that only an ALS crew was qualified to perform the assessment. An ALS assessment does not necessarily result in a determination that the patient require an ALS level of service but does allow for an ALS level of payment.
   ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT, LEVEL 1 EMERGENCY (ALS1-EMERGENCY) - The provision of an ALS assessment by an ALS provider and/or the provision of one or more ALS interventions, unless otherwise defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in which such definition shall be incorporated herein by reference.
   ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT, LEVEL 2 EMERGENCY (ALS2-EMERGENCY) - The administration of at least three medications or in some cases allowable multiple doses of the same medications and/or the provision of one or more of the following ALS procedures: Manual defibrillation, cardioversion, cardiac pacing, intubation of the airway, central venous line, chest decompression, surgical airway, or intraosseous line; unless otherwise defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in which such definition shall be incorporated herein by reference.
   ALS TREAT, NO TRANSPORT CHARGE - A charge to a patient (which may be paid by the patient's insurance in some cases) who has received an ALS assessment or an ALS level of treatment by an EMS provider at a scene, through actual, implied or informed consent, but who has refused transport to a hospital for any reason.
   ALS: ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT - The provision of an advanced level of care and/or resuscitation efforts utilizing advanced skills, medical equipment and/or techniques by an individual who is trained to provide prehospital emergency medical care at the paramedic, nurse or physician level; which includes, but is not limited to: the administration of intravenous fluids, medications, manual defibrillation, pacing, intubation of the airway and cardiac monitoring and/or the skill of providing an advanced life support assessment.
   BLS: BASIC LIFE SUPPORT - The provision of a basic level of initial care and/or resuscitation effort provided by an individual who is trained to provide emergency medical care which includes but is not limited to: CPR, opening and oxygenating the airway, attempting to control external bleeding, applying and operating an AED, bandaging, splinting and other basic skills of the first responder, emergency responders or EMT. (Paramedics, nurses and physicians may also perform BLS skills even though they have a higher level of training.)
   DISPOSABLE SUPPLIES - Disposable supplies utilized in excess of the customary amount and not exchanged/replenished from hospital stock or billed by the receiving hospital.
   EMS PROVIDER - A person or persons who have been trained to any recognized level of competency as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, including: ambulance attendant, first responder, emergency responder, emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician, paramedic, critical care paramedic, pre-hospital registered nurse (PHRN), nurse, physician extenders or physician.
   EMS: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES - The services utilized in responding to those persons presumed to be in need of immediate medical care within the jurisdiction of, and areas adjacent to the City of Reading, provided by the City of Reading Fire Department EMS Division.
   EXTERNAL AUTOMATED DEFIBRILLATION - The application of an automated external defibrillator (AED) used to attempt to convert lethal abnormal electrical heart rhythms.
   MILEAGE - Distance traveled by an ambulance from the point where the patient is picked up ending at the destination, facility, usually a hospital.
   OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION - The administration of oxygen for the treatment of conditions resulting from oxygen deficiency.
   PATIENT - Person receiving emergency medical services.
   REASONABLE COLLECTION EFFORTS - The issuance of a bill to the patient or to the party responsible for the patient's personal financial obligations, and subsequent billings, collection letters and telephone calls or personal contacts which constitute a genuine, rather than token, collection effort.
   RESCUE - Active utilization of fire department or EMS rescue tools and equipment to facilitate extrication of a patient from an entrapped or access-limited area.
   SPECIAL EVENT STANDBY - The utilization of an ambulance or squad vehicle and one or more EMS providers to standby at a planned and organized activity, event or contest, where a large group or gathering is expected, when the likely potential for the provision of emergency medical services may exist.
   THIRD-PARTY PAYER - An insurance carrier or other coverage provider having a responsibility or other obligation to pay for medical services rendered to a patient as a result of that patient's accident, injury or illness.
   1.   The City recognizes the need to bill for these services to aid in the provision of emergency medical services.
   2.   No person requiring emergency medical services shall be denied service due to a lack of insurance or ability to pay. The City shall not balance bill when prohibited by law.
   3.   The City will allow reasonable payment arrangements in the event a patient cannot pay a bill all at once.
   4.   A patient who received payment for City EMS bills from a third-party payor is obligated to remit such monies to the City of Reading Fire Department EMS Division (provided that the patient has not paid the bills directly). The City shall hold any patient who does not do so liable for any costs or fees related to the City's expenses of recovering the patient's EMS service fee.
      Procedure for billing emergency medical services.
   1.   After a patient encounter, the responding EMS personnel will prepare a detailed patient record or chart describing the encounter through a computerized records management system that adheres to state reporting standards. The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) hall govern the use, distribution and security of all patient records. This chart of information will be transmitted to the bureau or agency responsible for billing with the following information if available:
      (1)   Name and address of patient and guarantor.
      (2)   Social security number of the patient and guarantor.
      (3)   Name and address of patient and/or guarantor's insurance carrier (if applicable).
      (4)   Date, time and EMS run number.
      (5)   Point of origin and destination.
      (6)   Suspected illness or injury.
      (7)   Signature of the patient (when possible).
      (8)   Description of service provided.