Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Ch. 8.32 Rodent Control

Contents:

8.32.010 Rodent or pest harborage.

8.32.020 Ratproofing for grain storage.

8.32.030 Ratproofing of structures used for housing food for consumption.

8.32.040 Notice to ratproof structures constituting rat harborage.

8.32.050 Ratproofing requirements.

8.32.060 Violations of rodent control regulations.

It is unlawful for any person to maintain any building, lot, premises, vehicle or any place in such an unsanitary condition as to permit the breeding or harboring therein or thereon of flies, rats, bedbugs, cockroaches, lice, fleas or any vermin. It is unlawful for any person to permit an accumulation of rubbish material that may serve as a harborage for rats unless such material be elevated not less than eighteen (18) inches above the ground with a clear intervening space thereunder. Conditions constituting rodent or pest harborage also constitute violations of Title 15.24 (International Property Maintenance Code), including but not limited to Sections 302.5 and 304.5, and may be enforced under both titles.

(Prior code § 27-1) (Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. Q), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

No person shall use any building or structure or portion thereof for the storage, handling, preparation or sale of any grain products, which, in the opinion of the health officer, is or is likely to become infested with rats unless such building or structure or portion thereof be ratproofed. (Prior code § 27-2)

No person shall use any building or structure or portion thereof for a slaughterhouse, packing house or bakery, or for the manufacture, preparation, storage, handling or display of any food or food product for human or animal consumption which, in the opinion of the health officer, is or is likely to become infested with rats unless such building or structure or portion thereof be ratproofed. (Prior code § 27-3)

When determined by the health officer, or his duly authorized representative, that any building or structure constitutes a rat harborage, he may serve upon the person in charge or control thereof a notice in writing to ratproof so much of such building or structure as he deems necessary, within the time stated in such notice. (Prior code § 27-4)

"Ratproofing," as required in this chapter, shall be interpreted to mean a continuous masonry foundation of the size and depth required by the city building code, and the other requirements for a new building of the same occupancy relative to clearance beneath wood joists, well covering adjacent to the top foundations, and protection of roof and foundation openings. (Prior code § 27-5)

Violations of the provisions of this chapter are subject to the administrative penalty provisions of Chapter 1.10. (Ord.07-1281, Sept. 2007)