Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Mount Vernon?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Mount Vernon, New York—but only as an occupied primary residence. The City has enacted a dedicated Short-Term Rentals Code (Local Law 2024) that permits STRs across residential zoning districts, provided the property is used as the owner’s or tenant’s primary residence at all times during the permit term. Entire-unit rentals are capped at 180 days per calendar year, and no STRs are permitted in certain locations (e.g., buildings with active PILOT agreements, rent-stabilized buildings, or non-residential structures). In practice, this framework allows homeowners or tenants to host short-term guests (less than 30 consecutive days) while preserving neighborhood character and safety.

Two important regulatory layers apply:

• City of Mount Vernon STR code: governs whether and how you can operate.
• State law (multiple dwelling rules): restricts “entire unit” STRs for fewer than 30 days in buildings with three or more dwelling units unless the host is present. This effectively limits most “entire-apartment” STRs in multi-unit buildings unless you live there.

Additionally, New York State has authorized Mount Vernon to impose a hotel and motel tax (including short-term rentals) of up to 5.875%, administered by the city’s chief fiscal officer. The authority is time-limited and requires city action to become effective.

References:

• Local Law 2024 (STR Code): www.mountvernonny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9523/Proposed-Short-Term-Rental-Local-Law
• State legislation enabling hotel/motel tax (S7321A/A07341C): www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7321/amendment/A and nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A07341&term=&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y&leg_video=1

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mount Vernon

Launching an STR in Mount Vernon is a permitting-first process. Follow these steps:

1. Verify your eligibility.

• Use: Only an occupied primary residence is eligible. Entire-unit STRs are capped at 180 days per calendar year; partial-unit STRs are allowed without a day limit provided the owner/tenant is physically present during guest stays.
• Location: STRs are permitted in all residential zoning districts where residential uses are allowed. Prohibited in buildings under PILOT, rent-regulated buildings, non-residential structures, or where a lease forbids STRs.

2. Confirm state-level constraints for entire-unit rentals.

• If your property is in a building with three or more dwelling units, New York State law prohibits renting the entire unit for fewer than 30 days unless you live there. This makes “absent host” entire-apartment STRs illegal in most multi-unit buildings.

3. Prepare documentation.

• Required proofs include: STAR Credit or STAR exemption receipt; a utility bill in your name; property details; a notarized certification that the property is your primary residence and meets safety codes; and (for entire-unit rentals) a 24/7 responsible agent with local presence and two-hour response capability.

4. Submit application and pay fees.

• Apply through the Building Department before advertising the property. Ensure no unresolved code violations, outstanding city fines/fees, or unpaid taxes exist. Tenant applicants must include a landlord’s signature and proof of ownership.

5. Pass inspections and post permits.

• The Building and Fire Departments inspect prior to initial issuance and at renewal. Permits must be conspicuously posted inside the unit.

6. Operate and comply.

• Include the STR permit number in listings; provide guest-facing notices about parking, garbage, and snow removal; maintain safety equipment and egress; and ensure noise control and conduct standards.

7. Renew annually and track occupancy.

• Permits expire after one year and require renewal. For entire-unit rentals, maintain records of the 180-day cap and be prepared to provide certified documentation and platform letters upon request.

8. Set up tax collection.

• If the city implements the authorized hotel/motel tax, you must collect and remit it per the city’s local law. The maximum rate is 5.875% of the per diem rental rate. You are responsible for registering and collecting any such transient occupancy tax once enacted locally.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Documents and proofs required for the STR permit (Building Department):

• STAR property tax exemption or STAR Credit receipt for the STR property.
• Utility bill in the applicant’s name.
• Property information: address; total number of dwelling units in the building; number of bedrooms/bathrooms inside the unit; number of rooms offered for STR use; precise location of each room; occupancy limits by room.
• Notarized certification confirming:
  • The property is the applicant’s primary residence.
  • The property is safe and fit for habitation.
  • Compliance with all permit conditions, local code, the International Codes, and New York State Code Supplement.
  • No portion of the STR uses cellar or attic as habitable space unless meeting applicable fire/residential/building codes.
  • Required building permits and certificates of occupancy are in place (if applicable).
• For entire-unit rentals: name and contact information of a 24/7 responsible person able to respond in person within two hours of city notification.
• If tenant: landlord’s signature and proof of landlord’s ownership.
• Any changes in application information must be filed within 30 days (tenant changes also require owner’s signature).

Permit details:

• Permit must be obtained before advertising or renting.
• Processing fee applies per the City Fee Schedule.
• Permits expire automatically upon a change in ownership or tenancy.
• Permit revocation grounds include false statements, ceasing primary-residence use, public nuisance or safety threats, violations of permit conditions or laws, and (in multifamily buildings) three substantiated written complaints in a 12-month period.

Operating standards (must be maintained at all times):

• Entire-unit rentals must designate a local agent able to respond in person within two hours.
• No non-residential uses of STR spaces; no events (e.g., concerts, weddings) that exceed residential occupancy.
• Noise, disorderly conduct, alcohol, and drug laws must be respected.
• Written guest notice (Building Department form) posted inside the unit, including city parking rules, garbage/rubbish schedules, snow removal, and responsible party contact details.
• 180-day cap for entire-unit rentals; partial-unit rentals permitted without a day cap if the owner/tenant is present.
• Permit number must appear in listings.
• Sleeping room limits: 1 person for 70–100 sq ft; 2 persons if >100 sq ft. The Building Inspector may disqualify rooms for safety, egress, or over-occupancy concerns.
• Each sleeping room must have an exterior exit or approved emergency escape/rescue window.
• Smoke detectors required in each sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping room. Carbon monoxide detectors required where fuel-burning appliances exist.
• At least one functioning, inspected fire extinguisher in each unit.
• Proper off-street parking; no parking on lawns; visible house number.
• Weekly garbage removal during stays; compliance with City Code Chapter 140.
• Safety/egress plan posted.
• Valid STR registration permit conspicuously posted inside the unit.
• Any applicable occupancy (hotel/motel) tax must be collected and remitted if implemented locally.

Inspections and enforcement:

• Initial inspection by Building and Fire Departments; periodic inspections thereafter.
• Noncompliance requires cessation of STR use until corrected, followed by reinspection and fees.

Appeals:

• Denials, suspensions, or revocations may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 30 days; further appeal via Article 78 proceeding in NYS Supreme Court within 30 days of the ZBA decision.

Regulatory citations:

• Local Law 2024 (City Code Chapter 267, Article XV): www.mountvernonny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9523/Proposed-Short-Term-Rental-Local-Law
• State Bill S7321A/A07341C (hotel/motel tax authorization, 5.875% cap): www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7321/amendment/A and nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A07341&term=&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y&leg_video=1

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Mount Vernon (Local Law 2024)

• Eligibility: STRs allowed only as an occupied primary residence across residential zoning districts.
• Prohibited locations: buildings with active PILOT agreements (City/County IDA), rent-stabilized buildings, non-residential buildings, and any property where the lease prohibits STRs.
• Permitting: STR permit required from the Building Department before advertising or renting. Tenants require landlord signature and proof of ownership.
• Caps: Entire-unit rentals limited to 180 days per calendar year; partial-unit rentals have no cap when owner/tenant is physically present.
• Listings: STR permit number must appear in advertisements.
• Safety and egress: Sleeping rooms sized and egress-compliant; smoke and CO detectors; fire extinguisher; safety plan posted.
• Parking and maintenance: Off-street parking; no lawn parking; visible house number; weekly garbage removal.
• Inspections: Building and Fire Departments inspect before issuance and at renewal; periodic inspections to ensure compliance.
• Enforcement and penalties: Violations are subject to Article X enforcement (civil and criminal penalties); permit revocation grounds include false statements, nuisance, failure to remain a primary residence, and three substantiated complaints in multifamily buildings.
• Registry and appeals: STR unit registry maintained by the Building Department and updated every six months. Appeals go to the Zoning Board of Appeals; Article 78 review available.

County (Westchester County)

• No additional county-specific STR permitting requirements are identified in the provided sources.

State of New York

• Multiple dwelling restrictions: Renting an entire dwelling unit for fewer than 30 days in buildings with three or more dwelling units is prohibited unless the host is present. This is an absolute constraint in Mount Vernon and supersedes any city provision that would allow absent-host entire-unit STRs in multifamily buildings.
• Hotel and motel tax authorization (S7321A/A07341C): The State has authorized the City of Mount Vernon to impose a transient occupancy (hotel/motel) tax up to 5.875% on STRs, inclusive of short-term rentals, vacation rentals, and similar facilities. The tax is administered by the city’s chief fiscal officer, with returns and payments on a monthly or other basis as set by local law, and is time-limited (statutory expiration December 31, 2027/2028 depending on amendment version). The City must adopt a local law to activate the tax.

Summary table: key rules by level

• City of Mount Vernon (Local Law 2024)
  • Primary residence required; permitted in residential zoning districts; building-level restrictions; permit before advertising; 180-day cap for entire units; partial-unit cap removed when owner present; safety/egress standards; inspections; registry; penalties; appeals.
• State of New York
  • Entire-unit STR <30 days prohibited in multifamily buildings unless host present; hotel/motel tax authorization up to 5.875% for Mount Vernon, administered by the city, subject to local enactment and expiration.

Citations:

• City STR Code: www.mountvernonny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9523/Proposed-Short-Term-Rental-Local-Law
• Hotel/motel tax authority: www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7321/amendment/A and nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A07341&term=&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y&leg_video=1

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• Building Department (permitting, inspections, compliance)

  • Address: City Hall, Room 108, 1 Roosevelt Square, Mount Vernon, NY 10550
  • Phone: (914) 665-2367
  • Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
  • Website: www.mountvernonny.gov/Departments/Building-Department

• Zoning Board of Appeals (appeals of permit decisions)

  • Address: City