City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 149 ENTITLED
“HOUSING STANDARDS,” ARTICLE I. GENERAL
PROVISIONS, §149-42 (A) INSPECTIONS OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK
WHEREAS, the City of Mount desires to update Chapter 149, entitled “Housing Standards,” Article I. General Provisions, §149-42 (A) Inspections of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon, New York, to reflect the City’s current code enforcement practices; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes the importance of ensuring that its inspection protocols remain aligned with evolving code enforcement and administrative protocols and best practices for promoting safe and habitable housing conditions within the community; and
WHEREAS, the City further seeks to clarify and modernize the language of §149-42(A) to enhance transparency, improve implementation, and ensure that the ordinance reflects the manner in which inspections are actually conducted, without altering the substantive authority historically exercised under this section; and
WHEREAS, this amendment is intended to provide greater clarity and operational consistency; NOW, THEREFORE,
The City of Mount Vernon, in the City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. §149-42. Inspections.
A. Building Department inspectors are hereby authorized to carry out their code-enforcement duties in accordance with the City of Mount Vernon Local Government Code Enforcement Program and the City's Administrative Search Warrant Procedure. In furtherance of such responsibilities, inspectors may enter any premises in accordance with applicable law, including but not limited to (i) upon consent of the owner or a tenant with authority to grant access; (ii) upon circumstances constituting an emergency or (iii) pursuant to a duly issued administrative search warrant, whenever such entry is necessary to safeguard the public interest. [and have the right, in the performance of their duties, to enter any premises during normal business hours and in emergencies whenever necessary to protect the public interest.]
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect immediately.
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