Glendale's Public Health Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public health rules a little differently. In Glendale, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rodent Control

Glendale bans keeping any building, lot, vehicle or premises in a condition that breeds or harbors rats or mice, and requires rubbish that could attract them to sit at least 18 inches off the ground. Municipal Code Chapter 8.48 lets the health officer order extermination and ratproofing whenever a property becomes infested.

Key details: Rubbish clearance: 18 inches off ground/floor. Screening mesh: 1/4-inch hardware cloth. Ratproofing applies to: grain, slaughterhouse, food-handling buildings. Enforcement: Health officer written order. Default penalty: misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 months.

When a property becomes infested or is found harboring rats or mice, the health officer serves a written order to exterminate and, if needed, ratproof or elevate the offending material, giving the owner or occupant a 'reasonable time' stated in the notice to comply. Chapter 8.48 is not on the list of code sections downgraded to an infraction, so failing to comply after notice is a misdemeanor under Section 1.20.010(A), punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both.

Syringe Disposal

Glendale's industrial waste ordinance bars grinding and discharging used hypodermic needles, syringes and associated articles from hospitals, clinics and medical or dental offices into the sanitary sewer system. The fire chief enforces the rule through the city's industrial waste permit program.

Key details: Prohibited act: grinding/discharging needles to sewer. Covered facilities: hospitals, clinics, medical/dental offices. Governing article: GMC Ch. 13.40 Industrial Waste. Enforcing officer: fire chief. Permit at risk: industrial wastewater permit.

Grinding and discharging used needles or syringes into the sanitary sewer under Section 13.40.310(B)(2)(e) exposes the facility's industrial waste permit to immediate suspension under Section 13.40.400(A) if the fire chief finds an imminent hazard, with the discharger required to cease and desist at once. Repeated or unaddressed noncompliance can lead to permit revocation, and the discharger remains liable under Section 13.40.390 for the city's reasonable costs of correcting any resulting damage and investigating the violation. Permit decisions may be appealed to the city council under Chapter 2.88.

The Bottom Line

Glendale's public health rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glendale is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Glendale's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.