Contra Costa County, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ordinance Code Chapter 416-14
- Cleanup deadline
- 24 hours after health officer notice
- Allowed refuse can
- Galvanized, 30-gallon max, tight lid
- Rat-proofing
- Buildings must be kept in repair
- Inspection hours
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., any day
- Emergency power
- Summary abatement without notice
Summary
Contra Costa County's health officer can order a property free of refuse, foul odors and rat harborage within 24 hours of notice. Chapter 416-14 bans dumping and lets residents store refuse only in tight-fitting, 30-gallon galvanized cans, while requiring buildings to be rat-proofed and kept in repair.
(a)Every owner, lessee and occupant of any premises shall keep the premises free of refuse, nauseous, foul or offensive odors, and/or accumulations of filth and/or decaying animal excrement, and upon notification by the health officer shall remove and abate such nuisance within twenty-four hours, except as provided in subsection (b). (b)Refuse may be stored on any premises in cans which shall:(1)Be of watertight galvanized metal or other material of equivalent quality;(2)Have not more than a thirty-gallon capacity;(3)Have two handles adequate for lifting;(4)Be covered continuously with a tight-fitting cover with handle except when being filled or emptied;(5)Be kept clean by the users. ... Every building, dock, wharf and incinerator shall be so constructed and kept in repair as to prevent rats from entering and from being harbored within their walls or beneath their floors.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Ordinance Code: Supplement 103).
Full Breakdown
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Chapter 416-14, Rat Control and Refuse Disposal, gives the county health officer direct authority over conditions that breed rodents in the unincorporated county. 204 requires every owner, lessee and occupant to keep their premises free of refuse, nauseous or offensive odors, and accumulations of filth or decaying animal excrement; once the health officer gives notice, the responsible party has twenty-four hours to remove and abate the condition. The section allows refuse to be stored on-site only in cans that are watertight galvanized metal or equivalent material, hold no more than thirty gallons, have two lifting handles, stay covered with a tight-fitting lid except while being filled or emptied, and are kept clean.
Larger accumulations, such as industrial, horticultural or construction waste, need a disposal method the health officer separately approves. 208 requires every building, dock, wharf and incinerator to be constructed and kept in repair so rats cannot enter or be harbored within walls or beneath floors. on any day to check compliance, after announcing the purpose of the visit.
Violations & Fines
Any condition violating Chapter 416-14 is declared a public nuisance under Section 416-14.212 and can be abated under the county's Article 14-6.4 nuisance procedures on top of any other legal remedy. If the health officer finds a violation has created an emergency threatening public health and safety, Section 416-14.214 allows summary abatement without advance notice to the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do I have to clean up refuse after a notice?
What kind of trash can can I keep on my property?
Can the county inspect my property for rat problems?
What happens if a rat problem is an immediate danger?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.