Mount Vernon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-14
Basements
Operative Text
Basements shall not be deemed habitable space where required windows are located only on one wall and the depth of the basement space exceeds four times its clear height.
Under Mount Vernon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-14, a basement cannot be classified as habitable space if its only required windows are on a single wall and the basement's depth is more than four times its clear ceiling height. This geometric rule is a threshold test: both conditions must be present simultaneously for the prohibition to apply. The provision effectively limits which basement configurations can legally qualify as living space.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators managing properties in Mount Vernon should be aware that ch. 149 § 149-14 sets a specific dimensional standard for basement habitability. A compliant operator generally ensures that any basement unit offered as habitable space either has required windows on more than one wall or maintains a depth-to-height ratio no greater than four-to-one. Advertising or renting a basement as living space without meeting these criteria may expose a property to code violations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under ch. 149 § 149-14, tenants living in a basement unit have an interest in knowing whether that space legally qualifies as habitable. If a basement has windows on only one wall and its depth exceeds four times its clear height, the space may not meet the code's habitability threshold. Tenants who believe their unit may not comply can document the physical dimensions, contact the Mount Vernon building or housing department to inquire about an inspection, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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