City Council:
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A BUSINESS
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT FOR ALL
FOR-PROFIT BUSINESSES OPERATING
WITHIN THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
Whereas, in correspondence dated September 17, 2025, the Director of Business Development of the Industrial Development Agency submitted a formal request to establish a mandatory business registration program for all for-profit business entities operating within the City in order to improve municipal oversight, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote a fair and transparent business environment; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the importance of maintaining accurate and current data concerning all for-profit business entities operating within the City to ensure equitable economic development, effective code enforcement, and coordinated municipal operations; and
Whereas, the absence of a unified business registration system has historically hindered interdepartmental communication and the City’s ability to efficiently track business ownership, tenancy, licensing, and zoning compliance; and
Whereas, the establishment of a Business Registration Ordinance will modernize the City’s regulatory framework, promote transparency, and facilitate real-time data collection through a centralized digital registration process; and
Whereas, the Department of Business Development of the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency (MV IDA) has recommended that the City Council enact this Ordinance to implement a tri-annual registration requirement for all operating for-profit businesses; and
Whereas, the adoption of this Ordinance will advance the City’s strategic goals of economic growth, code compliance, and improved public safety while providing a reliable mechanism for monitoring business activity; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Title and Purpose. This Ordinance shall be known as the “City of Mount Vernon Business Registration Ordinance.”
The purpose of this Ordinance is to establish a mandatory business registration program for all for-profit business entities operating within the City in order to improve municipal oversight, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote a fair and transparent business environment.
Section 2. Registration Requirements.
1. All for-profit businesses operating within the City of Mount Vernon, whether located in commercial, industrial, or home-based premises, shall be required to register with the City every three (3) years.
2. The registration process shall be administered and maintained by Business Development of the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency (MV IDA) through the City’s official online portal.
3. A Business Registration Certificate shall be issued upon successful completion of registration and shall be conspicuously displayed at the business location.
Section 3. Registration Documentation. Each business applying for registration must submit, through the City’s Online Portal, the following documentation:
1. Proof of legal business formation (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, DBA certificate, etc.);
2. Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS;
3. Copy of lease agreement or property deed;
4. Name and emergency contact of property owner/landlord;
5. Name and emergency contact of business owner or on-site manager;
6. Copies of applicable New York State licenses (e.g., Cannabis Management, Liquor Authority, Department of Motor Vehicles, etc.);
7. Proof of business insurance;
8. Business hours and operational description; and
9. Certification of compliance with the City’s Business Video Camera Ordinance.
Section 4. Fees and Fiscal Consideration.
1. Initial Registration Fee: None.
2. Renewal Fee: $150.00 every three (3) years.
3. Non-Compliance Penalties: Fees assessed for failure to register or late submission shall be established and collected by the Office of the City Clerk on behalf of the City Council.
4. The Office of the Comptroller shall create a dedicated revenue line to receive funds generated by registration and penalties.
5. A budget code shall be established within the Office of the City Clerk to process payments and record revenues.
Section 5. Enforcement and Compliance.
1. Enforcement of this Ordinance shall be carried out collaboratively by:
o Business Development of the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency;
o The Department of Buildings;
o Department of Code Enforcement;
o Department of Public Works;
o Fire Prevention Bureau of the Mount Vernon Fire Department; and
o The Mount Vernon Police Department.
2. Businesses that fail to register within the prescribed period shall be deemed non-compliant and subject to penalties, including fines, suspension of operating permissions, or closure pursuant to the City’s Municipal Code.
3. Non-compliance may also delay the issuance or renewal of a Certificate of Tenancy or Certificate of Occupancy by the Department of Buildings.
Section 6. Administration and Program Management.
1. Business Development of the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency shall serve as the lead agency responsible for:
o Administering the Business Registration Program;
o Issuing Business Registration Certificates;
o Assessing and collecting late fees;
o Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); and
o Conducting community outreach and stakeholder education.
2. The Office of the City Clerk shall receive and record revenues on behalf of the City Council, in coordination with the Finance Department and Management Services.
3. The program shall utilize the City’s Online portal to collect debit/credit payments and maintain secure digital records.
Section 7. Environmental Considerations. This Ordinance is administrative in nature and does not have a direct environmental impact; therefore, it is exempt from environmental review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
Section 8. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance is found to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
Section 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract, and the Business Registration Program shall be launched within ninety (90) days thereafter.