[Added 8-8-2016 by Ord. No. 31-2016; amended 8-27-2018 by Ord. No. 47-2018]
A. Submission of written appeal.
(1) A parking ticket will include a notice to inform the owner/driver of the vehicle ("owner") how the owner may submit, in writing, an appeal setting forth the reason or reasons why the owner believes the parking ticket issued by the City of Reading or Reading Parking Authority is in error.
(2) Such written appeal through a complaint and investigation form shall be filed with the Reading Parking Authority within 10 business days of the date of issuance of the parking ticket to make the lower penalty applicable for any bond purpose. No written appeal will be accepted when not filed within 30 days of the issuance of the parking ticket.
(3) Individuals who submit an appeal will be contacted within 5 business days after the appeal is processed and advised whether the parking ticket will be upheld or dismissed.
B. Hearing scheduling.
(1) Where the parking ticket is upheld, and subject to (2) below, the Reading Parking Authority will schedule a hearing before an independent hearing officer and notice of said hearing's date, time and location shall be provided to owner.
(2) Owner will be required to post a bond payment in the relevant amount indicated on the parking ticket. Said bond payment will be refunded to owner where the independent hearing officer dismisses the parking ticket.
C. Determination.
(1) The independent hearing officer shall render a determination at the end of the scheduled hearing. Where the appeal is denied, the independent hearing officer shall direct owner to make appropriate payment of the ticket. Additionally, owner shall receive in writing his/her right to appeal the denial of his/her appeal to the Berks County Court of Common Pleas, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA, within 30 days of the independent hearing officer's determination.
D. Responsibility for costs.
(1) Any and all costs associated with the filing of an appeal in the Berks County Court of Common Pleas shall be the responsibility of the person or entity filing said appeal.
(2) If the Berks County Court of Common Pleas denies the appeal, the owner shall thereafter from the date of judgment is entered be assessed interest, costs and penalties as may be set forth pursuant to the schedule of fees of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Reading.