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Mount Vernon, NY Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

District: Downtown Transit Oriented Arts District (DTOAD)
Added: March 26, 2025
Code structure: Form-based code, Subsection G design guidelines
Mandatory items: ADA-compliant, lit functional entries
Review body: Planning Board site plan review

Summary

Projects in Mount Vernon's Downtown Transit Oriented Arts District must be designed under a form-based code that judges approval against specific practices for facades, signage, lighting and building services. City Code Section 267-27.3.G sets these standards for the district added March 26, 2025.

Design guidelines. This section of the DTOAD form-based code describes recommended design practices that have been established to create a high-quality, pedestrian-friendly, urban environment. In addition, where noted below, certain requirements are set forth for specific design elements when that design element is included in the development project...The ultimate approval of projects will be judged in accordance with these design practices and requirements as applicable...Ground floor facades...Creating visual interest along the base of the building by assuring a high percentage of transparency in storefront windows is a design goal...The provision of security gates, air conditioning units or other similar fixtures on the principal facade shall be avoided.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Mount Vernon created the Downtown Transit Oriented Arts District, abbreviated DTOAD, by amendment approved March 26, 2025, covering parcels between the Mount Vernon East train station and the south side of downtown. G(9) requires utilitarian features such as trash facilities, loading docks, and HVAC equipment to be kept out of public view, located at the building rear where possible, or screened with a wall if optimal placement will not adequately hide them. H.

Violations & Fines

Because DTOAD approval is conditioned on compliance with Section 267-27.3.G, a project that fails to screen trash facilities and HVAC equipment from public view, omits required storefront transparency, or leaves functional entries without ADA access or adequate lighting can be found nonconforming during Planning Board site plan review under Section 267-27.3.H, delaying or blocking approval until the design is revised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mount Vernon's DTOAD design guide?

It is Subsection G of City Code Section 267-27.3, covering the Downtown Transit Oriented Arts District added March 26, 2025. It sets design practices for architecture, facades, signage, lighting, landscaping, and building services that the city judges DTOAD project approvals against.

Are the DTOAD design guidelines mandatory or just suggestions?

Both. Section 267-27.3.G frames most guidance as recommended practice, but the Code also states that certain requirements apply when a design element is included, such as ADA compliance and adequate lighting for functional entries, and that final project approval is judged against these standards.

Where must trash and HVAC equipment go in a DTOAD project?

Section 267-27.3.G(9) requires utilitarian features like trash facilities, loading docks and HVAC equipment to stay out of public view, ideally placed at the rear of the building, with a screen wall required if the location does not adequately hide them from the public realm.

Sources & Official References

[1]eCode360 - City of Mount Vernon Code, Article V Districts

Other rules in Mount Vernon

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