Vacant lots in Mount Vernon must be kept free of debris, maintained at grass height under 10 inches, and secured against unauthorized access. Property-maintenance and public-nuisance codes apply even without a structure.
Under the property-maintenance chapter and zoning code, owners must maintain vacant lots — mow, remove debris, and fence where hazardous conditions exist. Chronic dumping sites are referred to code enforcement, and Mount Vernon may clean lots and place a lien for costs. Tall-grass and nuisance complaints are the most common triggers.
$100-$500 per violation; city remediation costs billed to owner; persistent nuisance may be pursued under GML for acquisition.
Mount Vernon, NY
Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers are generally prohibited from parking on public streets and in front-yard setbacks in residential zones. Storage i...
Mount Vernon, NY
Mount Vernon operates alternate-side parking for street cleaning and enforces residential permit parking in several districts. Non-residents cannot park over...
Mount Vernon, NY
Retaining walls over 4 ft measured from bottom of footing to top of wall require a building permit and sealed engineered drawings. Walls with surcharge (driv...
Mount Vernon, NY
A building permit from the Mount Vernon Building Department is required for most new fences and for replacements that change height, materials, or location. ...
Mount Vernon, NY
Chickens and livestock are prohibited in Mount Vernon residential zones. The city's dense urban character (~4 sq mi) excludes agricultural uses from zoning.
Mount Vernon, NY
Mount Vernon enforces the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225, incorporating the 2020 Fire Code of NYS), which requi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Westchester County.
See how other cities in Westchester County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Mount Vernon's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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