Mount Vernon Zoning & Land Use Guide
Official references and local checks
Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.
Official references
- Population:
- 73,893
- County:
- Westchester County
- State building code:
- 2025 New York State Uniform Code (based on 2024 ICC codes; effective December 31, 2025)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- No statewide override; local rules apply
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City of Mount Vernon Department of Planning
- Municipal code:
- View code online
Before you apply
- Call the City of Mount Vernon Department of Planning: (914) 665-2300
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Mount Vernon and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Mount Vernon
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — New York
- Building Code: NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (2020 IBC)
County — Westchester County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, county planning review under GML Section 239
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Statewide Context (New York)
Local data for Mount Vernon is limited. The following state-level facts apply across New York and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- 2025 New York State Uniform Code (based on 2024 ICC codes; effective December 31, 2025)
- State ADU Preemption
- No statewide override
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- No
ADU Rules in Mount Vernon
- Max Size
- 750 sq ft
- Max Height
- 18 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 additional space
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 8-12 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Mount Vernon permit information →Official Sources
City-specific