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Reading is Ready for Business!
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Welcome!

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The Town of Reading and the Board of Selectmen are proud to have embraced a proactive approach to economic development.

Our Master Plan lists “Improve Downtown” as our number one economic
developmental goal. We are taking this direction very seriously, and have
followed through on this recommendation by:

Creating a new Economic Development Committee. This committee was appointed to assist in the improvement of the quality of life for residents by increasing the available retail, restaurant, and other amenities in town, help attract new businesses and ensure  the stability and success of existing businesses in Reading.                                         

Adding staff resources to support the Economic Development Committee

Hiring staff to act as a “Permits and Licensing Coordinator” and to make your application and approval experience in Reading an easier process.All of these actions are directed at making Reading the prime location for your business.

We are very excited to talk to you about your business ideas and needs. Outlined below are easy steps to get started. We thank you for considering Reading and look BusinessWeekBannerWeb0.jpgforward to hearing from you soon!                                                                                            
                                        
Peter Hechenbleikner                                                    
Town Manager


                                                                        

Why Reading?
Location - Location -Location. Desirable suburban community located at the junction of two of New England's busiest interstate highways.
Proximity to residential population in the primary trade area (3 miles) with incomes 32% higher than state-wide median.
High visiblity and high vehicle count providing access to a large number of potential customers (apprx. 20, 000 cars per day).
Commuter rail station in the heart of Downtown.
State Grant to revitalize and enhance Downtown.
Success starts with the following steps:
A brief summary of most of thecommon State and local permits, licenses, and zoning requirements for opening a business in Reading.
The Town Planner will assist you with determining which town approvals you will need to open your business.
The Permits Coordinator will assist you through the permitting process.
Applications for construction, demolition, plumbing, gas, electrical and sign permits including the application for the Signage Certificate of Appropriateness.
The Board of Health requires applications to be submitted 30 days before the start of construction.
All non-incorporated businesses are required to register with the Town Clerk
All businesses need a sign permit. Businesses located in the Business B zoning district must apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness for all signs.
Click to learn your zoning district location.
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The completed permit should be submitted to the Police Department.
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Town of Reading, Massachusetts  
16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867   
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