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Mount Vernon buildings department reports longer permit review times, pilot customer survey
Summary
At a March 24 work session, Mount Vernon’s Buildings Department said initial permit-review times averaged 26 days in Jan–Feb 2025 (versus 7.4 days in 2024), cited staffing gaps, and outlined an AI/OpenGov follow-up plan; a four‑week customer survey pilot found strong preference for in‑person help and identified communication gaps.
The Mount Vernon Buildings Department told the City Council on March 24 that initial permit-review times averaged 26 days in January and February 2025, substantially longer than the 7.4‑day average reported for 2024. Heidi Mamak, first deputy commissioner of the Department of Buildings, said staff losses (two clerks and a plan room coordinator) and an out‑of‑office plan examiner in February contributed to the delay.
The department presented a suite of metrics and said 97 building permit applications were received in January–February and 75 permits were issued; the remainder remain under review. Mamak also said applicants take an average of 46 days to reply to objections, which lengthens the total review process.
Why it matters: Longer review and response times affect homeowners, contractors and developers who rely on predictable permitting windows for project scheduling and financing.…
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