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Building & Code Enforcement

As of March 2001, the City of Mt. Vernon has incorporated a new City Ordinance that contains a new Comprehensive Development Plan. This plan gives recommendations for future development and land use. Also included are zoning designations and definitions for existing areas of the City and undeveloped areas.

The Building and Code Enforcement Department is responsible for applying year 2012 International Building Codes, as adopted by the City of Mt. Vernon, on plumbing, and mechanical construction and 2011 on National Electrical Code.

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.


CLICK HERE for City Codes

CLICK HERE for Zoning Map

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.

Permits are required for the following types of projects:

  • New residential structures, 1 and 2-family dwellings.
  • New commercial structures, including 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, driveways, fences, and pool installations over 24" in depth.
  • Drawings are required for all commercial structures, new additions to or infill alterations.
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 the 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 fee of $0.10 per square foot on total area. 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.
CLICK HERE for Schedule of Fees.

For more information, please contact Building and Code Enforcement, Terry Moore by phone at 417-466-2167 or email at tmoore@mtvernon-cityhall.org