City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PLUMBING
REINSPECTION FEE STRUCTURE ADMINISTERED
BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS
Whereas, in correspondence dated July 9, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings formally requested authorization to establish a fee structure for plumbing re-inspections resulting from failed inspections, as well as fees for additional or partial inspection requests, to support the efficient operation and sustainability of the Department of Buildings; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon Department of Buildings is responsible for overseeing plumbing inspections and ensuring code compliance throughout the City; and
Whereas, the current practice allows for multiple re-inspections without additional cost to permit holders, placing a strain on Department resources and personnel; and
Whereas, repeated failed inspections without penalty discourage compliance and delay construction progress; and
Whereas, neighboring municipalities, such as the City of Yonkers, have implemented structured fees for plumbing re-inspections to improve compliance and recover costs; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon seeks to encourage accountability, deter avoidable inspection failures, and promote the efficient operation of the Department of Buildings by revising its reinspection fee policy; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Purpose. This Ordinance establishes a fee structure for plumbing re-inspections resulting from failed inspections, as well as fees for additional or partial inspection requests, to support the efficient operation and sustainability of the Department of Buildings.
Section 2. Plumbing Reinspection Fees. The following fees shall be assessed for each failed plumbing inspection associated with a permit issued by the Department of Buildings:
• 1st Failed Inspection: $300.00
• 2nd Reinspection (for the same permit): $600.00
• Each Subsequent Reinspection (3rd and beyond): $900.00 per inspection
Section 3. Additional or Partial Inspections. Applicants requesting additional or partial plumbing inspections for large-scale construction projects (including groundwork, underground plumbing, or inspections not exceeding two floors), to facilitate construction progress, shall be assessed a fee of:
• $150.00 per requested inspection
Section 4. Billing and Enforcement. All reinspection and partial inspection fees shall be paid before the scheduling of the subsequent inspection. Failure to remit payment shall result in the withholding of further inspections and may delay final approvals or certificates of occupancy.
Section 5. Applicability. This Ordinance shall apply to all plumbing permit holders whose inspections are conducted on or after the effective date stated in Section 6.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage by the City Council and approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract and shall be enforced by the Department of Buildings forthwith.