Black Hawk County, IA Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)
Key Facts
- Provisions
- 13 enumerated nuisance categories, A-M
- Enforcing agency
- Black Hawk County Health Department
- Investigation
- Health Officer, on complaint or own initiative
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $100.00 per day
- Appeal window
- 20 days to Board of Health
Summary
Black Hawk County's nuisance ordinance lists 13 specific conditions the Health Department treats as public health nuisances, from junk and garbage accumulation to rodent breeding, unsanitary rentals, and unsecured attractive hazards. Reports go to the Health Officer, who can order abatement or condemn a structure.
Health nuisances include, but are not limited to, the following: A. The storage, collection, accumulation, discharge or depositing of any offal, fecal matter, filth, refuse, weeds, vegetation, dead organic material, junk, debris, contaminated material, garbage, stagnant or polluted waters, combustible materials and similar materials in any place or on any property so as to threaten the health or safety of the individuals or the public or to be conducive to the breeding of flies, rats (other than for research purposes) or other vermin, or to the prejudice of others. ... M. Establishing, continuing, maintaining or operating any building or place which is conducive to the breeding, harboring, feeding or sheltering of any vermin or pests such as, but not limited to, flies, mice, cockroaches, rats (other than for research purposes) and pigeons.
Full Breakdown
030 enumerates health nuisances that apply throughout the county's jurisdiction, not just the unincorporated area. The list includes storing or depositing offal, filth, refuse, weeds, dead organic material, junk, or garbage so as to threaten health or breed flies, rats, or vermin; the presence of rats, flies, or other vermin; discharging garbage or polluting material into any stream, lake, or drainage channel; storing flammable refuse in a way that creates a fire hazard; inadequate or unsanitary plumbing in rental housing; a contaminated well not sealed per Health Department direction; failing to properly dispose of an animal carcass within 24 hours under Iowa Code Chapter 167; failing to secure buildings or equipment against unauthorized access that threatens safety; exposing anyone to an infectious or communicable disease; selling or storing spoiled or adulterated food; and maintaining an attractive nuisance such as an abandoned well shaft, excavation, or an airtight refrigerator or icebox that could trap someone.
040 separately makes the presence of cockroaches, rodents, or other vermin, once the Health Officer determines they exist, and designation of a building as unfit for human habitation, violations in their own right. 060. 080, with further appeal to district court. 00, each day of continuing violation a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Any of the 13 conditions enumerated in BHCC 8.10.030, including junk, garbage, vermin, unsanitary plumbing, or unsecured hazards, is a public health nuisance enforced by the Health Officer under Section 8.10.100. Conviction is a simple misdemeanor with a fine up to $100.00 per day the violation continues, plus liability for the county's abatement costs as a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a suspected code violation in Black Hawk County?
What are the most common violations listed in the nuisance ordinance?
Can the county inspect my property to investigate a complaint?
What happens after the Health Officer issues a nuisance notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Black Hawk County
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