Mount Vernon Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Mount Vernon Zoning Overview
Mount Vernon is a densely populated city in southern Westchester County, directly north of the Bronx. With just over four square miles of area, it is one of the most densely developed communities in the New York metropolitan region. The city's compact urban form, served by multiple Metro-North commuter rail stations, creates a housing market with strong demand driven by proximity to New York City. Mount Vernon's housing stock is diverse, ranging from single-family homes in the northern sections to multi-family apartment buildings in the southern neighborhoods closer to the Bronx.
The city's planning framework addresses the challenges of managing development pressure in a nearly fully built-out community, including maintaining housing quality, supporting commercial revitalization along major corridors, and managing traffic and parking. Mount Vernon's Comprehensive Plan focuses on targeted redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, and preserving the character of established residential neighborhoods.
Key Zoning Districts
Mount Vernon's zoning code includes single-family residential zones (RS), multi-family zones (RM), commercial zones, and the Central Business district. The RS zone covers the lower-density neighborhoods in the northern part of the city. Multi-family zones are concentrated in the southern sections and along major transit corridors. The downtown area around the Metro-North station has been targeted for mixed-use redevelopment.
ADU Regulations
Mount Vernon permits accessory dwelling units in residential zones with size limits of 750 square feet, owner-occupancy requirements, and one additional parking space. Given the city's density and housing costs, ADUs provide an important avenue for increasing housing supply within the existing built fabric.
Development Process
Development in Mount Vernon requires permits from the Building Department. The Planning Board reviews site plans, while the Zoning Board of Appeals handles variances. Westchester County planning referrals apply under GML Section 239.
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 Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — New York
- Building Code: NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (2020 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (NY ADU legislation signed 2024)
County — Westchester County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, county planning review under GML Section 239
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 2,000 sq ft per unit
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 60 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
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
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Mount Vernon are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Mount Vernon permit fees →