Do all businesses in Reading need a city business license?

Not all businesses; licensing depends on the business type and activities. Check the municipal code and the licensing department page for the specific requirements and any exemptions.

Where do I get a criminal background check for licensing?

Follow the Reading Police Department procedures or the instructions on the license application; some checks require fingerprinting at the police department or an approved vendor.

How much are fines for operating without a license?

Fine amounts are not specified on the cited municipal or department pages; fines and penalties should be listed in the enforcement notice or in the specific municipal-code section cited on that notice.

Reading Business License Fees & Criminal Checks

Business and Consumer Protection Pennsylvania 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026

This guide explains how business licensing, fee schedules, and criminal background checks are handled for businesses operating in Reading, Pennsylvania. It summarizes the controlling municipal code, the departments that issue and enforce licenses, where to find official forms, typical compliance steps, and the complaint and appeal paths for license decisions. Use this page to find actionable steps to register, obtain required checks, pay fees, and respond to enforcement notices under Reading city rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Reading enforces business licensing and related public-safety requirements through its municipal code and the relevant departments. Specific fine amounts and graduated penalties for business-license violations are not specified on the cited municipal-code and department pages; see the citations for the controlling instruments and contact points below^[1]^[2].

Contact the enforcing office promptly if you receive a notice.

Fines: not specified on the cited page for general business-license breaches; see municipal code or enforcement notice for dollar amounts.
Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and daily penalties are not listed on the department pages; enforcement letters typically describe escalation if applicable.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease operations, license suspensions, permit revocation, administrative hearings, and referral to court are possible under city authority.
Enforcer and inspections: Code Enforcement, Business Licensing staff, and the Reading Police Department carry out inspections and investigations; submit complaints or inspection requests to the listed department contacts^[2].
Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages; appeal instructions are normally included in the enforcement notice or municipal code section cited on the notice^[1].
Defences and discretion: permitting, variances, or administrative waivers may apply where authorized; availability and standards are set by ordinance or department rule and are not detailed on the general pages.

Common violations

Operating without a required city business license or registration.
Failure to submit required criminal background checks for regulated occupations or employees.
Noncompliance with inspection orders or health and safety conditions tied to a license.

Applications & Forms

Official applications and procedural forms are published by city departments. The municipal code gives the legal basis for licensing but the department pages provide application forms and submission instructions. Fee schedules and form names are shown on departmental pages or the municipal code; if a specific form name or fee is not listed on the public page, it is "not specified on the cited page" and you should contact the department directly for the current application packet^[2].

Check the department page before you apply to confirm current fees and required attachments.

How criminal background checks are handled

Background checks required for certain business activities or occupational licenses in Reading are processed either by the Reading Police Department or by state-level channels when state licensing applies. The city provides information about locally required checks and how to obtain them on its department pages; details about who must submit fingerprints or criminal-history records are found in the licensing instructions or the municipal code referenced by the licensing office^[2]^[1].

Who must submit checks: regulated businesses and certain employees where the municipal code or license application requires a criminal-history disclosure.
Method: follow the application instructions—some checks require fingerprinting at the police department or an approved vendor.
Fees: specific background-check fees are not specified on the cited department pages; the application packet or police records page will state current fees.

How-To

Confirm which city license or registration your business needs by consulting the municipal code and the Business Licensing or Community Development page.^[1]
Gather required documents: ID, proof of ownership, lease, and any required background-check authorizations as listed on the application form.
Prepare certified copies of any required credential before submission.
Complete and submit the official application and pay any stated fees at the department listed on the form or via the online portal if available.
Schedule fingerprinting or police-record checks per the police department instructions if the license requires a criminal-history report.^[2]
Respond promptly to any inspection or requests for additional information to avoid delays or enforcement action.
If you receive a violation or denial, follow the appeal instructions on the notice and contact the department for timelines and required filings.

FAQ

Do all businesses in Reading need a city business license?: Not all businesses; licensing depends on the business type and activities. Check the municipal code and the licensing department page for the specific requirements and any exemptions^[1].
Where do I get a criminal background check for licensing?: Follow the Reading Police Department procedures or the instructions on the license application; some checks require fingerprinting at the police department or an approved vendor^[2].
How much are fines for operating without a license?: Fine amounts are not specified on the cited municipal or department pages; fines and penalties should be listed in the enforcement notice or in the specific municipal-code section cited on that notice^[1].

Key Takeaways

Check both the municipal code and department application pages to confirm requirements and forms.
Background checks are often required and may need fingerprints through the police department.
Contact the enforcing department promptly if you receive a notice to learn appeal steps and timelines.