The Building and Code Enforcement Department is responsible for applying year 2000 International Building Codes, as adopted by the City of Mt. Vernon, on plumbing, electrical and mechanical construction.   The department also reviews building plans before building permits are issued as well as performs inspections on newly permitted structures in the city.  The Building and Code Enforcement Department also makes recommendations to the Board of Aldermen for any changes to zoning designations.

City Codes pertaining to Building and Code Enforcements.  NOTE:  This electronic version is provided for information only and should not be considered the official version of the code.  If inconsistencies exist between this electronic version and the original ordinance, the original will be considered definitive.  Click on the following links for City Codification.

Land Use

Building Code

Permits are required for the following types of projects:

• New residential structures, 1 and 2 family dwellings.
  
  
• New commercial structures, to include manufacturing, retail, educational, and multi-family.
  
  
• Signs, detached (freestanding) and wall type.
  
  
• Additions or alterations to any of the above type structures.
  
  
• Detached garages, porches, carports, and accessory storage buildings.
  
  
• Re-siding, re-roofing, paving of driveways, fence and pool installations over 24" in depth.

Drawings are required for all commercial structures, new additions to or infill alterations.

Copies of all currently adopted Building Codes are on hand at City Hall for reference.

Permit Fees:

• One and two family structures are based on $0.05 per square foot of total area (including garages and porches), but not patios or sidewalks.  Separate permits are not required for plumbing, HVAC, or electrical on 1 and 2 family structures that have a current building permit issued.
  
  
• Separate permits are required for replacement of gas fired appliances (furnaces, water heaters, or other gas fired equipment) in all structures.  They are also required for complete re-wires of a structure, electrical service/panel upgrades and replacements. Major plumbing work inside of a building as well as sewer line replacement also requires a permit.  The standard fee is $15.
  
  
• New commercial buildings are subject to a formula based on usage/occupancy and construction type.  This includes additions to or infill/remodeling of existing buildings.
  
  
• Detached garages, porches, carports, accessory storage buildings, re-siding, re-roofing, fences and pool installations are subject to a standard $15.00 fee.
  
  
• Sign permits are $15.00 for non-engineered wall or detached (pole) signs, and $50.00 for signs requiring engineering.

For more information, please contact Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator, Steve Helsper at 417-466-2167 or by email at shelsper@mtvernon-cityhall.org.

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