FAQs • Mount Vernon, WA • CivicEngage

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City of Mount Vernon

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ADA

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1. What are my rights?: You have the right to live free of discrimination based on a disability.

2. How do I get assistance or request accommodation?

If you have a question for, a request of or an issue with the City of Mount Vernon under ADA Title II, please contact:

Michele Myers, City of Mount Vernon ADA Coordinator
1024 Cleveland Avenue
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Email ADA Coordinator
(360) 336-6204

City Council Meetings:
Hearing assistance equipment is available for use by the hearing impaired at City Council meetings.

Please let us know at least 48 hours in advance if you will need any special accommodations to attend a meeting. Contact the ADA coordinator at the phone number, email or address above to arrange any special accommodations that you require.

3. What is the Title II grievance procedure?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (49.60) prohibit state and local government agencies from discriminating against people with disabilities. In addition, the City of Mount Vernon must provide reasonable modifications to existing policies, practices and procedures to ensure equal access to programs and services.

If you feel that the City of Mount Vernon has failed to accommodate your disability or provide you with equal access to a City activity, program or service, you have the following options:

Work with Michele Myers, the City of Mount Vernon ADA Coordinator, to resolve the issue directly with the City department.
Email ADA Coordinator
(360) 336-6204
1024 Cleveland Avenue, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
City of Mount Vernon grievance policy
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice

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Attorney

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1. How do I make a public records request?

Please click on the link below:

Public Records Request

Police Public Records Request

2. How do I report a claim against the City?: Claim for Damages forms and instructions are available in the City Finance Department, Attorney's Office, or you may use the Claim for Damages form provided on this web site. PLEASE MAKE COPIES FOR YOUR RECORDS PRIOR TO SUBMITTAL TO THE CITY. Claim Packet

3. What happens to a claim after it is submitted to the City Attorney's Office?: Once the Claim Information has been received it will be forwarded to the City's insurance pool, Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA). WCIA will proceed with an investigation of the claim and respond to the claimant directly regardless of whether the claim has been accepted or denied.

4. What is the function of the Mount Vernon Prosecuting Attorney's Office?: The Mount Vernon Prosecuting Attorney only handles the prosecution of criminal misdemeanors and infractions committed within the city limits of Mount Vernon.
For information regarding felony cases, misdemeanors that occur outside the city limits of Mount Vernon and juvenile cases please contact the Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney's Office at 605 S. 3rd Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 336-9460.

5. Where can I get a copy of a city ordinance or resolution?: Copies of all city ordinances and resolutions are available upon request at the Finance Department (336-6207). This site also carries the Mount Vernon Municipal Code which contains codified ordinances. You can also find a copy of the Municipal Code in the Mount Vernon City Library.

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Block Watch

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1. How to start a neighborhood Block Watch?

Contact Mount Vernon Police Department community service officer at 336-6250
Set a meeting date and location
Invite your neighbors

2. First Meeting: The community service officer will explain the Block Watch Program and introduce crime prevention techniques. A volunteer will be selected as the Block Watch Captain, who will help organize and plan future meetings.
Signs, maps, decals, and neighborhood issues will be discussed.

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Development Services

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1. How long does it take to get a permit for a residential home?: Once a complete application is received, simple single-family plan review (that doesn't require design standard review) typically takes about 2-3 weeks to either be approved (if no changes are necessary); or to receive the first set of review comments.

2. How do I find out what my property is zoned?: Click on the hyperlink below to be directed to a page on our website where you can view the City’s zoning maps. Also feel free to email our Permit Technicians at: PermitTech@mountvernonwa.gov, or call staff at the Development Services Department and they can assist you, (360) 336-6214.
Zoning Map

3. How do I know if my property is located in the floodplain?: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides the official maps that show properties that are located within a floodplain. Below is a link to FEMA's website where you can verify whether or not a property is within a floodplain.
FEMA's Mapping Center

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Doing Business

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1. What incentives are there for businesses in Mount Vernon?: Taxes, the City has no B&O tax (manufactures) and our sales tax rate is 8.2% compared to Seattle's 9.5%. The City has lower industrial building lease rates and asking prices. Affordable living and quality of life as well. Read more about incentives in Mount Vernon here

2. What is the population of Mount Vernon and Skagit County?

The 2019 population estimates from the Office of Financial Management are as follows:

Mount Vernon is 35,740
Skagit County is 129,200

3. What are the City's average permit turnaround times?

Permit turnaround times will vary depending on how complex a project is, how many corrections of plans are needed, and how quickly and completely responses are submitted back to the City when corrections are needed. Following are average time frames for the listed permit types:

Building permits for new single-family residential homes: initial review comments in 2 - 4 weeks
Building permits for new commercial buildings: initial review comments in 4 - 6 weeks
Civil permits (Fill & Grade) for commercial projects: initial review comments within 4 weeks
Planning Permits for Administratively Approved projects: initial review comments in 4 - 6 weeks
Planning Permits for projects requiring Hearing Examiner recommendations or approvals: initial review comments in 6 - 8 weeks

4. How do I get a business license?: Follow these steps to obtain a City of Mount Vernon business license. Business License Application Process

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Fiber Optic Services

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1. Why choose fiber optic cable over copper?: • SPEED: Fiber optic networks operate at high speeds - up into the gigabits
• BANDWIDTH: large carrying capacity
• DISTANCE: Signals can be transmitted further without needing to be "refreshed" or strengthened.
• RESISTANCE: Greater resistance to electromagnetic noise such as radios, motors or other nearby cables.
• MAINTENANCE: Fiber optic cables costs much less to maintain.

2. What types of applications are fiber optics best for?: Fiber optics are the answer for everything broadband. Click here for more information

3. How do I connect to the City's Fiber Optic System?: You need to choose a service provider; and physically connect your building to the system. Mount Vernon has an Open Service Provider Network (OSPN) that allows as many service providers as possible. The 'Fiber Optic Services' page has a current list of service providers.

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Finance

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1. Where does the money collected for sales tax go?: Sales tax of 8.5% is collected within City limits. This tax is distributed to eight different entities:
6.5% State
0.85% City of Mount Vernon
0.15% Skagit County
0.4% PTBA (Skagit Transit)
0.3% Public Safety (Jail) – Effective 1/1/2014
0.1% Criminal Justice (distributed to Cities and County based on population)
0.1% Skagit 911
0.1% Skagit County Mental Health
Sales Tax Distribution

2. How do I report a claim against the City?: please see: Claim information

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Floodplain

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1. How do I know if my property is located in a floodplain?: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides the official maps that show if a property is located within a floodplain; and if so, which category of floodplain that particular property is within. Click in the following link to be directed to FEMA's website where you can type in a property address to see if it is within the floodplain.
FEMA Map Center

2. Do I need flood insurance?: This depends, in large part, on whether or not your lending agency requires it. If you are renting you can get flood insurance to cover the contents of your home or business. Below is a link to the National Flood Insurance Program where you can find additional information.
National Flood Insurance Program

3. Does my homeowner's insurance policy cover flooding?: No, flood damage is not typically covered by a homeowner's insurance policy.

4. Who do I contact to get flood insurance?: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) contracts with private insurance companies to provide flood insurance. Click on the link below to be directed to the NFIP website where a list of these companies can be found.
NFIP Participating Flood Insurance Companies in WA

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Main

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1. How do I contact a city department?: Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?: Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

3. How do I make a City public records request?: Click on the link and follow the website instructions.
City of Mount Vernon Records Request

4. How do I make a Police public records request?: Click on the link and follow the website instructions.
Police Public Records Request

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Mayor

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1. Who do I call regarding a trash pickup or recycling issue?: Please contact the Finance Department at (360) 336-6218.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Where is your office located?: Mount Vernon Parks & Enrichment Services administration office is located in Hillcrest Park at 1717 South 13th Street. Our office hours are Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm. We are closed Saturdays, Sundays, and all major holidays. We can be reached at (360) 336-6215 or via email at mvparks@mountvernonwa.gov.
MVPR Map

2. What are your office hours?: Our office hours are Monday - Friday 8am to 5:00pm. We are closed Saturdays, Sundays, and all major holidays. We can be reached at (360) 336-6215 or via email at mvparks@mountvernonwa.gov.

3. Do you accept credit cards and/or debit cards?: The Parks & Enrichment Services accepts credit and debit cards with a VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover logo.

4. Where can I find a list of the programs that are offered through Mount Vernon Parks & Enrichment Services?: You can find our program listing on our registration website at https://apm.activecommunities.com/mvparks/ . If you are looking for something specific or need help locating an appropriate program, please call our office at (360) 336-6215. Mount Vernon Parks & Enrichment Services invites individuals with special needs to participate in our programs. Please call in advance if accommodations are necessary for successful participation.

5. How do I register for a program that is offered through Mount Vernon Parks & Enrichment Services?: Unless otherwise posted, all recreation programs through Mount Vernon Parks & Enrichment Services do require preregistration. Most programs do require a minimum number of participants. If a program does not receive the required minimum number of participants, the program may be rescheduled or canceled. In order to register for a program, a program registration form must be completed and signed either by a legal guardian or program participant if over 18 years of age. The registration fee, if applicable, must be paid in full at time of registration. You can register online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/mvparks/ , or in our office at Hillcrest Park (1717 South 13th Street) or over the phone at (360) 336-6215, with a VISA, American Express, Discover, or MasterCard.

6. Do you have rental facilities available for meetings, parties or weddings?: -Hillcrest Park (1717 South 13th Street) hosts 2 large outdoor rental facilities; the Gazebo and Daylight Kitchen, 2 small outdoor rental facilities; the North View Shelter and the South Side Shelter and the Hillcrest Lodge, a large indoor facility. -Bakerview Park (3101 East Fir Street) is home to the Vaux Retreat Center, a smaller indoor facility. -Indoor rental facilities are available for rent year round. -Outdoor facilities are available for rent April 15th to September 30th of each year. -Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. -Rental fees must be paid in full at time of reservation. To check availability of any of the above mentioned facilities, please call our office at (360) 336-6215.

7. Can I reserve the shelter at Kiwanis Park?: The covered area (shelter), as well as, the picnic tables at Kiwanis Park (500 South 18th Street) are available on a first come, first served basis and are not available for rent. Personal reserved signs are not permitted at Kiwanis Park, or any other City facility and will be removed by Park staff. If you are interested in reserving a facility for an event, Hillcrest Park (1717 South 13th Street) has both indoor and outdoor rental facilities. Bakerview Park (3101 East Fir Street) also has an indoor rental facility.

8. What is the operating schedule for the spray park at Kiwanis Park?: The spray park at Kiwanis Park (500 South 18th Street) operates from 11am to 8pm daily, June 1st to September 30th each year.

9. Who should I call to report vandalism and/or graffiti in a City Park?: If you witness the act or feel there is eminent danger, please contact 911 immediately. If you find a City facility has been vandalized or is currently the sight of graffiti, please contact our office at (360) 336-6215.

10. How do I reserve the Sports Center at Bakerview Park?: The Sports Center at Bakerview Park (3101 East Fir Street) is operated by the YMCA. The Skagit Valley Family YMCA can be reached at (360) 336-9622.
YMCA Sports Center

11. Can I bring my dog to a City Park?: Pets are permitted in all City Parks, however, all dogs must remain on leash at all times while inside Mount Vernon City limits. Dogs may be off leash on private property or inside the fenced area of the Dog Park at Bakerview Park (3101 East Fir Street). Baseball fields and other sporting facilities are not considered dog parks and dogs must remain on leash while visiting these areas. For more information regarding the Dog Park or other pet questions, please contact our office at (360) 336-6215.

12. Does Mount Vernon have a dog park?: The City of Mount Vernon does have a 1 acre Dog Park at Bakerview Park (3101 East Fir Street). The Dog Park is open year round and is available to dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. Pet owners are responsible for their pet at all times and may not leave their animal unattended at any facility. Pet owners must clean up after their pet during all visits. A doggie fountain is available on site, as well as, a water fountain for human companions.

13. Are there camp sites in any of your parks?: There are no camp sites in any of our City Parks and overnight camping is not authorized. There are, however, several options for overnight accommodations in Mount Vernon. A list of local overnight providers from the local Chamber of Commerce is listed through the link below or by calling the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce at (360) 428-8547. Stay in Mount Vernon

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Police

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1. Do you trade uniform patches?

The Mount Vernon Police Department receives many requests from patch collectors and other law enforcement enthusiasts. Due to the high demand, we regrettably found it necessary to stop the popular practice of trading law enforcement patches and memorabilia.

The uniform patches of the Mount Vernon Police Department are restricted and for security reasons are only issued to our employees. In addition, they are purchased with City funds so unfortunately, we cannot supply them free of charge and they are currently not available for purchase.

We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

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Police - Accreditation

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1. What is accreditation?: The concept and practice is not new. For many years hospitals, universities, and other professional fields have undergone accreditation to prove compliance with a set of professional standards.

Law Enforcement Accreditation, a voluntary statewide program mandating compliance with 140 contemporary policing standards, is a means for self-evaluation and improvement. The Mount Vernon Police Department achieved accredited status in 1994, passed reaccreditations in 1999, 2004, and 2011, and is scheduled for its next on-site assessment in April 2015.

During the last assessment, the department received very high remarks and comments from the panel of assessors during their day of inspections. With the new standards developed in 2007, the Mount Vernon Police Department is the 49th agency in the state to receive this status.

2. How does accreditation benefit the citizens of Mount Vernon?

Confirms Mount Vernon Police Department's commitment to professionalism.
Enhances community's understanding of law enforcement, its goals, and objectives.
Assures the department's policies are effective, responsive, fair, and equitable and that the department is providing services of the highest quality.
Commits the department to a broad range of effective police service programs.
Ensures managerial and operational policies and procedures are in accord with statewide policing standards, and that the department continues to make a concerted effort to maintain that professional status.

3. How does accreditation benefit city government?

Assures the department is delivering quality service to citizens.
Provides objectivity in justification of decisions relating to personnel policies and budget requests.
Potentially reduces premiums for liability insurance and claims.

4. How does accreditation benefit neighboring communities?

Promotes relationships with other law enforcement agencies.
Requires establishment of mutual aid agreements.
Promotes standardization of operational policies, thereby increasing efficiency in handling calls for assistance and joint Investigations.
The accreditation manager is Administrative Services Lieutenant Jerry Dodd, who is a member of the WASPC Accreditation Committee, and serves as a mentor for agencies working towards their accreditation.

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Police-Citizens Academy

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1. Upcoming Class: In 2023, the Mount Vernon Police Department will host its 27th annual Citizens Academy class. Citizens Academy is a 12-week program, starting in early February and running until late April or early May. Students are required to attend class from 6:30p - 9:30p every Thursday night during the academy, with a Saturday afternoon mock scene day in early April. If you're interested, applications are now available online or at the Mount Vernon Police Department.
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Public Works

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1. Can the City of Mount Vernon establish Quiet Zones?

Please click the links to view answers to frequently asked questions related to noise from train horns and the establishment of quiet zones:

Train Horns and Quiet Zones

Railway Quiet Zones - 2/17/21 Presentation to City Council

2. Snow Removal: Snow Removal - Frequently Asked Questions

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TV10

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1. Where can I view TV10?

Via Comcast

Full programming can be found on Comcast Channel 10. You can watch TV10 if you live in Skagit County (except Anacortes) and have at least a basic Comcast cable subscription. View the TV10 Schedule.

Spanish programming can be found on our sister station Canal 26, which can be viewed on Comcast Channel 26. View the TV26 Schedule.

Live Streaming

Live Streaming is available for some public events and meetings. To view these please click the "Live Events" link on our department webpage or subscribe to the City of Mount Vernon, WA - Government Television YouTube Channel for updates on when Live Events will occur

Video On-Demand

Watch TV10 produced shows online and on-demand via our YouTube page.

2. How do I announce an event on TV10?: The Mount Vernon Community Bulletin Board is offered as a free public service to promote communication among educational, established non-profit and governmental sources. You can announce a public event by submitting a Community Bulletin Board Request form. The form must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event start date. Schedule permitting, the calendar is updated the Wednesday after it is received. No information shall be published which involves advertising on behalf of candidates for public office or political issues, lottery information, or obscene/indecent matter. In order to maximize the use of the Mount Vernon TV10 Community Bulletin Board for messages of broad public interest, regular community group and church service schedules will not be announced. The City Television Advisory Committee reserves the right to edit and to reject messages. As appropriate, appeals to the decision of the City Television Advisory Committee may be made to the Mayor. Questions or comments regarding the Community Bulletin Board may be directed to TV10. Community Bulletin Board Request Form

3. Can I put my show on TV10?: TV10 does not offer unlimited general public access. Instead, our programming is confined to local community education, government activities, and community affairs. We are an “EG” access station, which stands for “Education” and “Government”.

4. Where is the studio located?: The studio is in a secure location within the Mount Vernon Police and Court Campus. It is not accessible to the general public. However, arrangements may be made for tours. Please contact TV10 for more information.

5. Who owns the station?: The station is currently a function of the City of Mount Vernon municipal government. It is run much like the other departments of the city with a budget, assigned staff, and a department manager. In the future, it is possible the station will become a separate entity. This is the process that many other government access channels have followed.

6. Where does funding come from?: Funding is provided through several sources, including a charge of $1.00 per month for Mount Vernon residents who are Comcast cable subscribers. Those funds are dedicated specifically for the studio and production equipment purchases. There is also financial support provided by the City of Mount Vernon government and station partners, including Skagit County government, Skagit Valley Hospital, and the Mount Vernon School District. Other partnerships are also being explored and are in various stages of participation. By partnering with these agencies we are able to explore programming ideas, creative contributions, and educational opportunities. Additionally, the City pursues various grants which can be used for capital equipment purchases and/or personnel.

7. How can I volunteer?: You can become a volunteer by submitting a City of Mount Vernon Volunteer Application

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Your Government

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1. How do I register to vote?: Skagit County registers all voters. Contact the Skagit County Auditor's Department for the required paperwork. They can be reached at (360) 416-1700 or click the following link for their web site.
Skagit County Elections