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 Richmond
 Code of Ordinances
 Chapter 15. HEALTH
 Article III. RODENT CONTROL

  § 15-68. Extermination of rodents.  

Latest version.

  • (a)

    Whenever rats or other rodents are found on any private premises in the City, extermination measures shall be initiated immediately. On premises occupied by two or more occupants, the owner of the premises shall keep that part of the premises used in common by all occupants free from rat or other rodent infestation. The premises or part thereof in the exclusive possession and control of an occupant shall be kept free of rat or other rodent infestation by the occupant.

    (b)

    Rat or other rodent infestation on public sidewalk areas, public streets, public alleys, or in public sewers shall be eliminated by the Director. Infestation in public buildings or on vacant land owned by the City shall be eliminated by the City department having custody of the premises. Advice concerning elimination of the infestation shall be provided by the Director upon request.

    (c)

    Whenever the owner or person having custody of vacant private premises fails to exterminate rats or other rodents when notified to do so by the Director and it is impossible or impractical to serve a court summons on such individual, the Director shall post a notice on the premises stating that it is the Director's intention to eliminate the rats or other rodents after the expiration of five days. The Director shall transmit to the Director of Finance a statement of all costs incurred. The Director shall not be guilty of a trespass when entry upon the premises is necessary to eradicate rats on vacant private property.

    (d)

    No building shall be demolished until rat or other rodent infestation has been eliminated by the owner, contractor or other person responsible for the demolition. The Director shall hold the owner responsible for such eradication. The sewer to each building to be demolished shall be disconnected at the property line prior to demolition and effectively capped to prevent the entrance or exit of rats or other rodents.

    (e)

    An owner or occupant shall not place Compound 1080 on any premises under any condition, nor shall ANTU, phosphorus, thallium sulfate, or any equally dangerous rodenticide be placed on premises where it is easily accessible to children or pets or where it may contaminate food or drink.

    (Code 1993, § 14-47; Code 2004, § 54-88)

(Code 1993, § 14-47; Code 2004, § 54-88)