Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on June 26, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on June 27, 2024, authorizing the establishment of Multi-Dwelling Inspection Fees to enable the Buildings Department to enforce the Uniform Code, be and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH MULTI-DWELLING
INSPECTION FEES TO ENABLE THE BUILDINGS
DEPARTMENT TO ENFORCE THE UNIFORM CODE
Whereas, by letter dated June 21, 2024, the Commissioner for the Buildings Department has requested legislation authorizing the establishment of multi-dwelling inspection fees to ensure that the Buildings Department has sufficient resources to enforce the Uniform Code, thereby safeguarding residents’ health, safety, and welfare in multi-dwelling properties; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon has a growing population and an increasing number of multi-dwelling properties; and
Whereas, it is imperative to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of residents living in multi-dwelling properties by enforcing the Uniform Code through regular inspections; and
Whereas, the Buildings Department needs adequate resources to address deficiencies and perform all required code enforcement activities in the city; and
Whereas, the imposition of multi-dwelling inspection fees will provide the necessary funding for the Buildings Department to carry out these critical inspections and enforcement activities; and
Whereas, annual inspections of multi-dwelling structures will allow the city to maintain high standards of safety and quality of life for its residents; 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 aims to establish multi-dwelling inspection fees to ensure that the Buildings Department has sufficient resources to enforce the Uniform Code, thereby safeguarding residents’ health, safety, and welfare in multi-dwelling properties.
Section 2. Definitions. For this ordinance, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
1. “Multi-Dwelling Property”: Any residential property containing three or more separate living units.
2. “Buildings Inspection”: An inspection conducted by the Buildings Department to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
3. “Fire Inspection”: An inspection conducted by the Buildings Department to ensure compliance with fire safety codes and regulations.
Section 3. Inspection Fees. The following fees shall be added to the Department of Buildings Fee Schedule:
1. Buildings Inspection Fees:
o Inspection per building with less than ten dwelling units: $250.00
o Inspection per building with more than ten dwelling units: $250.00 per 10 dwelling units
2. Fire Inspection Fees:
o Inspection per building with less than ten dwelling units: $250.00
o Inspection per building with more than ten dwelling units: $500.00
Section 4. Enforcement. The Buildings Department shall conduct annual inspections of all multi-dwelling properties to ensure compliance with the Uniform Code. The fees collected from these inspections shall fund the inspection program and other code enforcement activities.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.