Westchester County, NY Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Sanitary Code § 873.1405
- Applies to
- Owner/person in control of vacant grounds
- Standard
- Free of rodent/vermin nuisances
- Enforcing agency
- Westchester County Health Department
Summary
Owners of vacant grounds in Westchester County must keep the property free of rodent and vermin nuisances that affect public health, under the county's Sanitary Code.
The owner or person in charge or in control of grounds which are vacant shall keep them free of all public nuisances affecting health as defined in the Commissioner's Rules and Regulations. [29]
(Added 11-20-1986, eff. 11-20-1986)
Footnotes: --- (29) ---
30. Editor's Note: The Commissioner's Rules and Regulations are on file in the office of the Department of Health.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Sanitary Code § 873.1405 puts a standing duty on the owner or person in charge or control of vacant grounds to keep them free of all public nuisances affecting health, as defined in the Health Commissioner's Rules and Regulations, which cover rodent and vermin infestations. The department can investigate complaints and order abatement under the code's general nuisance provisions (§§ 873.1400-1402) if a vacant lot becomes a breeding ground for rats or other vermin.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply is enforced as a nuisance under §§ 873.1400-1402 and carries penalties under § 873.218: up to $250 for a first offense, $500 for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for pest control on a vacant lot in Westchester County?
What if my vacant lot attracts rats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westchester County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Westchester County to another location·View the New York public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.