Mount Vernon's Invasive Plant Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles invasive plant rules a little differently. In Mount Vernon, New York, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bamboo Restrictions

Mount Vernon bans planting running bamboo anywhere in the city and declares any running bamboo that spreads onto a neighboring lot a public nuisance with no grandfathered right to keep it. Clumping bamboo is still allowed, but only after registering and paying a $25 permit fee to the Department of Buildings under Chapter 90.

Key details: Adopted: 11-13-2024, L.L. No. 7-2024. Running bamboo: Planting banned citywide. Clumping bamboo permit fee: $25. Removal deadline after notice: 30 days. Required barrier depth: 3 feet minimum.

A first violation of Chapter 90 draws a fine of $100 to $500; a second or subsequent violation for the same offense can reach $1,000, and each day the violation continues is a separate offense under Section 90-7B. A property owner hit with a second violation after a neighbor-encroachment notice must remove all bamboo on both their own and the affected adjoining property. The Building Inspector can excuse involuntary delays, such as weather or a removal contractor's schedule, from the violation count if the owner is making good-faith removal efforts.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Mount Vernon actively enforces its bamboo restrictions requirements.

Prohibited Species

Mount Vernon's tree ordinance defines invasive species and invasive vines by reference to the state DEC's identification, and makes it unlawful for a property owner to let a tree, shrub, or bush stay infested with pests or choked by invasive vines. The Commissioner of Public Works can order removal, and unpaid removal costs become a lien on the property.

Key details: Invasive species/vines defined by: NYS DEC identification. Named invasive vine examples: oriental bittersweet, porcelain berry. Notice before City acts: 30 days written notice. Owner unpaid-bill grace period: 30 business days. Unpaid removal cost becomes: lien on property.

Letting a tree, shrub, or bush remain infested or overtaken by invasive vines after 30 days' written notice lets the Commissioner of Public Works or City Tree Surgeon remove and destroy it under § 252-4A(3)(c) and bill the owner for the cost. If that bill goes unpaid for 30 business days, the City certifies the expense to the City Council and dockets it as a lien on the property, collected the same way as a public-improvement assessment.

The Bottom Line

Mount Vernon's invasive plant rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Mount Vernon is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Mount Vernon can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.