Chapter 8.28 — RAT AND INSECT CONTROL

This chapter shall be known as the "rat and insect control ordinance."

(Ord. 6755 § 2, 1998: Ord. 4498 § 7.00, 1959)

All buildings, structures, premises or any parts thereof that are infested with rats are declared to be public nuisances, and the health officer is authorized to abate the same in the manner provided in this title.

(Ord. 6755 § 3, 1998)

No person shall place, dump or permit to accumulate or remain in any building, place or premises any rubbish, waste, manure or organic matter that may afford food or a harboring or breeding place for rodents or flies.

(Ord. 4498 § 7.01, 1959)

No owner or occupant of any building or premises shall refuse admission to the health officer or his deputy between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. of any day, when such officer or his deputy has announced his intention to enter the building or premises for the purpose of setting traps or to make an inspection relative to the provisions of this title. The health officer or his deputy shall display a badge or credentials indicating his official capacity. Authority is granted to the health officer and his deputy to enter any such premises for said purposes.

(Ord. 5176 § 9, 1974; Ord. 4498 § 7.02, 1959)

When the health officer finds or suspects any building to be rat infested, he shall promptly notify the owner or occupier thereof. Any owner or occupier so notified shall set suitable traps or employ such other effective methods of rat extermination as shall be required by the health officer. If traps are used, they shall be baited, set and inspected daily by said owner or occupier; and any rat caught shall be killed.

(Ord. 4898 § 6, 1968; Ord. 4498 § 7.03, 1959)

No person shall destroy, tamper with, remove, or change the location of any traps or bait stations placed by the health officer or his deputy.

(Ord. 4498 § 7.04, 1959)

No person shall maintain any structure, storeroom, warehouse, residence, shed, garage or other building, that is not constructed and maintained so as to prevent rodents from entering or harboring underneath the same or within the walls, under the floors or in the attic or roof space. All foundation and attic vents shall be effectively screened with a screen or grill, having no opening greater than ¼ inch. All cellar or basement doors and crawl-hole closures shall fit tightly and be maintained in good repair so as to prevent effectively the entrance of rodents. All buildings shall be effectively repaired or constructed so as to prevent the entrance of rodents through holes, access doors, utility cabinets, or breaks in exterior walls, in foundations, under eaves, at roof intersections or elsewhere.

(Ord. 4498 § 7.05, 1959)

Any person who alters, repairs or adds to any building, or who installs any wires, conduits or pipes therein, or who performs any work connected therewith, shall take proper measures to make the building ratproof. Ratproofing devices destroyed or removed shall be restored or replaced; and new openings through which rats may enter shall be effectively sealed.

(Ord. 4498 § 7.06, 1959)

All premises, improved or unimproved, shall be kept clean and free from all rubbish, and other loose material which might serve as a harborage for rodents. All lumber, wood, boxes, barrels and loose metal or other materials stored on any premises, which may become a harborage for rodents, shall be placed on supports and elevated not less than 18 inches above the ground, with a clear intervening space beneath and at least 12 inches away from all buildings, walls or other structures.

(Ord. 4498 § 7.07, 1959)

Whenever the health officer shall find that any building or structure or part thereof is so infested with rats as to require attention or demolition, he shall notify the owner or person in charge, in writing, explaining the conditions and specifying with reasonable certainty the work necessary to eliminate the rat harborage. The health officer shall require such alteration or demolition to be completed within a reasonable period. No person shall fail to comply with the notice within the specified time.

(Ord. 4498 § 7.08, 1959)

No person shall maintain on any premises owned, occupied or controlled by him any accumulation of filth, garbage, decaying animal or vegetable matter, or any animal or human excrement or other organic matter in which flies or gnats may breed. No person shall maintain any body or container of water that may permit the breeding of mosquitoes, unless the body or container of water is screened, treated chemically, drained frequently or stocked with fish that feed on mosquito larvae.

(Ord. 4498 § 7.09, 1959)

A.

All premises shall be cleaned, and effective insecticides applied, as often as necessary to prevent the harboring of fleas, flies, roaches, stinging insects, venomous arachnids, and other insects that may be a danger to the public health. The health officer may prescribe the type of insecticides, their manner and frequency of application, and the manner and frequency of cleaning for such purposes. Stinging insects and venomous arachnids and other pests that pose a danger to the public health and safety include, but are not limited to, the following: Africanized and European honey bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, black widow spiders, brown recluse spiders and scorpions.

B.

It shall be unlawful for any property owner or tenant to maintain or permit a beehive, nest or swarm to exist that may pose a danger to the public health and safety.

C.

The prohibition regarding maintenance of beehives, nests or swarms shall not restrict the activities of a professional beekeeper if not prohibited under the city's zoning code. For purposes of this subsection, the term "professional beekeeper" shall mean a person who holds a current registration as a beekeeper with the county of Los Angeles department of agricultural commissioner.

(Ord. 6755 § 4, 1998: Ord. 4898 § 7, 1968: Ord. 4498 § 7.10, 1959)