Buildings department seeks third‑party inspectors and adds reinspection fees to clear inspection backlog

The Mount Vernon Department of Buildings presented an ordinance to allow the use of third‑party inspectors to help address a backlog of building inspections for public assembly, multiple dwelling and nonresidential occupancies.

Department staff said the program would be no cost to the city because third‑party inspections would be paid by applicants as an option and that a request for proposals will follow council approval. One staff member said the referral packet includes the RFP but the cover letter did not appear on some council devices; staff agreed to ensure the referral materials are available before the formal agenda vote.

Separately, the department outlined proposed changes to reinspection fees — notably for plumbing and gas — saying reinspections often occur when contractors or tradespeople fail to meet code requirements and that neighboring jurisdictions charge for reinspections. Staff said the fee would be assessed to the permit applicant (which is often the contractor) to discourage repeated incomplete work and to recover inspection costs.

Council members asked that the fee schedule be aligned with neighboring cities; staff said attachments comparing local fee schedules were provided. The ordinances and proposed RFP were listed on the council agenda for formal consideration.