City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF TIME LIMITS ON
DORMANT BUILDING DEPARTMENT APPLICATIONS
Whereas, by letter dated June 13, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings formally requested the establishment of time limits on dormant building permit applications; and
Whereas, a substantial number of permit and approval applications remain inactive or dormant for prolonged periods, consuming staff time and administrative resources that could be allocated to current, active applications; and
Whereas, the continued review, monitoring, and communication regarding these dormant applications has hindered the Department's ability to operate efficiently and serve the public promptly; and
Whereas, the implementation of time limits for inactivity across all types of applications will promote timely compliance by applicants, reduce administrative backlog, and improve recordkeeping and operational efficiency; and
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the City of Mount Vernon to ensure that the Department of Buildings' resources are focused on active applications that demonstrate progress toward completion; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon finds that the expiration of dormant applications will protect the public health, safety, and welfare by improving departmental responsiveness and effectiveness; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Definitions.
(a) Dormant Application: Any application submitted to the Building Department for a permit or approval-including but not limited to permits for New Structures, Alterations, Demolition, Plumbing, Electrical, or Signage-for which no applicant-initiated activity has occurred for six (6) consecutive months from the date of filing.
(b) Substantive Activity: Includes submission of required documents, correction of identifie...
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