[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
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.