Every building or structure now constructed or hereafter constructed in the city shall be constructed and maintained in a ratproof condition so as to prevent the entry of rats into and upon the premises. All buildings and structures, lots and premises shall be continuously kept by the owner, agent, tenant, lessee, person in charge, or occupant thereof in a clean, sanitary condition and free from rats.
(1958 Code, sec. 16-11; 1978 Code, sec. 13-30)
All food products or other products, goods, wares and merchandise likely to attract or to become infested with or infected by rats, whether kept for sale or for any other purpose, shall be so protected as to prevent rats from gaining access thereto or coming in contact therewith.
(1958 Code, sec. 16-12; 1978 Code, sec. 13-31)
It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or occupies any lot or premises to suffer or permit lumber, boxes, barrels, loose iron or other material that may become a harborage for rats to accumulate or remain on such lot or premises owned or occupied by such person, unless the lumber, boxes, barrels, loose iron or other material described above shall be placed on supports neatly stacked and elevated at least two (2) feet from the ground, with a clear intervening space between to prevent the harborage of rats.
(1958 Code, sec. 16-14; 1978 Code, sec. 13-33)
It shall be unlawful for the owner, agent, tenant, lessee, person in charge, or occupant of any building, place or premises, or any part thereof, in this city to refuse admission to the director of health, or his officers, between the hours of 8.00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. of any day when such officer has announced his intention to enter such building, place or premises for the purpose of inspecting same to determine the presence of rats or for the purpose of setting or directing the setting of rat traps or placing or directing the placing of rat poison or ascertaining whether the provisions of this article are being complied with; provided, at the time of such entry, such officer shall display a badge or credentials indicating his official capacity or connection with the department of health. Authority is hereby granted to such officer to so enter any such building, place or premises for such purposes.
(1958 Code, sec. 16-15; 1978 Code, sec. 13-34; Ordinance 07-028, sec. 5, adopted 3/27/07)
It shall be unlawful for any person to destroy, tamper with, remove or change the location of any traps or poison placed by or under the direction of the director of health, or any of his deputies.
(1958 Code, sec. 16-16; 1978 Code, sec. 13-35)
All buildings, structures or parts thereof that are infested with rats are hereby declared to be and are public nuisances, and the director of health and his officers are hereby authorized and empowered to abate the same in the manner provided by law.
(1958 Code, sec. 16-17; 1978 Code, sec. 13-36; Ordinance 07-028, sec. 6, adopted 3/27/07)