Mount Vernon, NY Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)

Section 267-97C(1) lists the grounds on which the Building Inspector may revoke a short-term rental permit, and subsection (f) adds a specific repeat-violator trigger for units inside multifamily buildings: the permit may be revoked once the Police Department or Building Inspector receives three substantiated written complaints in a twelve-month period concerning use of the premises as a short-term rental. The code defines a substantiated complaint narrowly: it must allege a violation of a City law or ordinance and be backed by other evidence such as a police report, photograph, or video, not merely a neighbor's call.

The same subsection also authorizes revocation for permits obtained by a false, untrue or misleading statement (Section 267-97C(1)(a)); for an owner or tenant who stops occupying the unit as a primary residence (Section 267-97C(1)(b)); for use creating a hazard, nuisance, or threat to the peace and quality of life of the surrounding community (Section 267-97C(1)(c)); and for violating permit conditions or any federal, state or local law (Section 267-97C(1)(d),(e)). Before revoking, the Building Inspector must serve written notice by registered or certified mail and regular mail describing the reasons (Section 267-97C(2)).

The permit holder may appeal a revocation to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 30 days of the notice, and from there may bring an Article 78 proceeding in state court within 30 days of the board's decision (Section 267-97D).