Elizabeth, NJ Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

City Code § 7.60.020 bars owners and occupants from maintaining a premises in a vermin- or rat-infested condition. The director may inspect any property the department has good reason to believe is not ratproof and may issue rules to enforce the chapter (§ 7.60.030). Once the director, health officer or an authorized agent notifies an owner or occupant that a property is vermin- or rat-infested, that owner or occupant must take immediate measures to remedy the condition (§ 7.60.040). Removing, damaging or destroying ratproofing built into a building is separately prohibited, except where interference is unavoidable during lawful construction that is promptly restored (§ 7.60.050).

The chapter also bans depositing putrid substances, night soil, garbage, refuse piles, old lumber or other rat harborage on vacant lots, alleys, lanes, yards, sidewalks, streets or private lots without the health officer's approval (§ 7.60.060), and requires that food set out for domesticated fowl, birds or animals be kept in containers that prevent scattering, with leftover food not allowed to remain accessible to rats (§ 7.60.070). Anyone demolishing a structure must first obtain the director's permission, and any building infested with rodents or insects must be fumigated before demolition begins (§ 7.60.080). No penalty is stated within Chapter 7.60 itself, so violations fall under the Code's general penalty provision at § 1.12.010.