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Staff says backflow and 'fog' legislation nearly complete; commission to review before council

City of Mount Vernon Utilities Commission · January 9, 2026

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Summary

Staff reported completion of a revised backflow and 'fog' ordinance that shifts permitting to code enforcement, allows the control board to set fees, and reserves authority to the utilities commission; the body will review the draft and target a council first reading in late February.

Staff told the Mount Vernon Utilities Commission that a revised draft of backflow and 'fog' legislation is complete and ready for commission review.

Mister Boren said he finished the draft, building on an earlier, thorough initial version by Mister Platt. “I have completed the legislation,” he said, and described its structure: the proposal works off the current code (chapter 9.11), shifts permitting responsibility to code enforcement, allows the control board to set fees, and reserves to the utilities commission the ability to adopt additional rules for enforcement.

Commissioners directed that the commission, code enforcement, utilities and engineering review the draft over the next month. Staff said they plan to bring a recommendation or a proposed first reading to city council in late February; commissioners discussed posting the draft on the city website and preparing a high-level summary to help the public understand the changes.

No formal vote or ordinance number was recorded at the meeting. The commission requested staff review and public posting as an informational step prior to any formal council action.