Mount Vernon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-70
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: CHRONIC HISTORY OF VIOLATIONS A multiple dwelling has a chronic history of violations when, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Buildings, its owner receives five or more violations from the Building Department within a one-year period for conditions that are either unsafe, unsanitary, deteriorated, overcrowded or the result of inadequate maintenance of the premises which may be dangerous to the health, safety or welfare of the inhabitants thereof. CHRONIC OFFENDER The owner of a multiple dwelling classified as having a chronic history of violations. MULTIPLE DWELLING For purposes of this chapter, a multiple dwelling is a dwelling which is either rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or is occupied, as the residence or home of six or more families living independently of each other.
Section 149-70 of Mount Vernon's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational definitions for the article's enforcement framework. A 'multiple dwelling' covered by this article is any residence occupied by six or more independent families under a rental or lease arrangement. An owner whose building accumulates five or more Building Department violations within a single year for unsafe, unsanitary, deteriorated, overcrowded, or poorly maintained conditions may be designated a 'chronic offender' at the Commissioner of Buildings' discretion.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 149-70, operators of buildings housing six or more families are subject to the 'chronic offender' classification if the Building Department issues five or more qualifying violations within any twelve-month period. Compliant operators generally maintain ongoing inspection schedules, address maintenance issues promptly, and keep records of corrective actions to avoid accumulating the violation threshold that triggers this designation. Because the Commissioner of Buildings retains discretion in applying the 'chronic history of violations' label, consistent upkeep and responsive communication with the Building Department are hallmarks of compliant property management.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-70 defines the scope of protections available to residents of multiple dwellings in Mount Vernon, meaning buildings rented to six or more independent families. If a building accumulates five or more violations within a year for unsafe, unsanitary, or deteriorated conditions, the owner may be classified a 'chronic offender' under this article, which can trigger additional oversight. Tenants who believe their building meets this threshold may consider documenting conditions, contacting the Mount Vernon Building Department, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand what remedies may be available.
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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