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)