City Council:
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A SEPARATE
GAS WORK PERMIT AND FEE SCHEDULE
WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS
Whereas, in correspondence dated July 24, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings formally requested authorization for the creation of a separate Gas Work Permit for gas-related construction activities within the City of Mount Vernon, to be issued independently of the existing Plumbing Permit; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon currently utilizes a single Plumbing Permit Application to authorize both plumbing and gas-related work within its jurisdiction; and
Whereas, this combined permit structure has proven to limit administrative efficiency, particularly in the areas of recordkeeping, plan review, and inspection tracking for gas-related installations; and
Whereas, the City has experienced a measurable increase in both the volume and complexity of gas-related construction and renovation projects; and
Whereas, the City has reviewed comparable procedures in neighboring municipalities, including the City of Yonkers, NY, which has successfully implemented a dedicated Gas Work Permit system to improve oversight, compliance, and inspection efficiency; and
Whereas, the creation of a separate Gas Work Permit, along with an associated fee schedule, would bring clarity to the permitting process, better serve taxpayers, and enhance the operational capacity of the Department of Buildings; and
Whereas, the City Council finds it necessary and appropriate to establish a separate Gas Work Permit Application and associated fee structure, effective January 1, 2026; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Ordinance is to authorize the creation of a separate Gas Work Permit for gas-related construction activities within the City of Mount Vernon, to be issued independently of the existing Plumbing Permit.
Section 2. Establishment of Gas Work Permit. Effective January 1, 2026, the Department of Buildings shall establish a standalone Gas Work Permit Application, which shall be required for all installations, alterations, or repairs involving gas piping, gas meters, or gas appliances.
Section 3. Scope of Permit. The Gas Work Permit shall apply to, but not limited to:
• Gas meter installations;
• Gas piping alterations or repairs;
• Gas appliance hookups or conversions;
• Pressure testing of gas lines.
All such work must be performed by a licensed professional and shall be subject to inspection by the Department of Buildings.
Section 4. Permit Fees. The following fee schedule shall apply to all Gas Work Permit Applications:
• Filing Fee: $125.00
• Compliance Review Fee: $100.00
• Gas Pressure Test Fee: $150.00 per meter tested
Total Fee (based on 1 meter): $375.00
For each additional meter, an additional $150.00 shall be assessed.
Section 5. Administration and Enforcement. The Department of Buildings shall promulgate any rules, procedures, or forms necessary to implement and enforce the Gas Work Permit system. The Department shall have the authority to conduct inspections and require documentation to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and safety standards.
Section 6. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract and shall be fully effective as of January 1, 2026. It shall apply to all gas work permit applications submitted on or after that date.