Mount Vernon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-47
Abatement by City; recovery of costs
Operative Text
Whenever any violation of this chapter, in the opinion of the Commissioner with the concurrence of the Corporation Counsel, causes a direct hazard or immediate danger to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants of a building or the public, the Commissioner shall notify the owner of the property or his agent of said hazard by either personal service of the notice required in § 149-46 hereof or by posting said notice conspicuously upon the property in question and by telephone communication with said owner or his agent, and as to the aforesaid telephonic communication, at the telephone number designated by the owner for that purpose, at least three attempts to contact said owner or his agent shall be made, by mailing said notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to said owner or agent at its last known address. Thereafter, the Commissioner may take such direct action as is necessary to abate the hazard or danger; provided, however, that expenditures in excess of $5,000 shall require prior approval of the City Council. Expenses incurred in the execution of such orders shall be recovered as provided in § 149-58 of this article.
Under Mount Vernon Code ch. 149 § 149-47, when the Commissioner and Corporation Counsel jointly determine that a housing violation creates a direct hazard or immediate danger to occupants or the public, the City is authorized to step in and remedy the problem itself. Before acting, the City must make reasonable efforts to notify the property owner or agent through personal service, conspicuous posting, certified mail, and at least three attempted phone calls. If the City spends money to fix the hazard, it can recover those costs from the owner, though any expenditure exceeding $5,000 requires prior City Council approval.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 149-47, a compliant property owner generally maintains a current, designated telephone number on file with the City so that emergency hazard notifications can reach them promptly. Operators who respond quickly to hazard notices reduce the risk of the Commissioner taking direct abatement action and billing the property for the costs. Because expenses incurred by the City are recoverable under § 149-58, keeping contact information updated and addressing violations proactively are practices associated with avoiding unexpected cost recovery proceedings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-47 of the Mount Vernon Code gives occupants an important protection: when a housing violation poses an immediate danger, the City itself has authority to step in and abate the hazard without waiting for the owner to act voluntarily. Tenants who believe a condition in their building rises to the level of a direct hazard may consider contacting the Commissioner's office to report the situation and request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Mount Vernon housing law can help residents understand how this provision interacts with other remedies available under ch. 149.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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