Eugene, OR Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Open compost piles
- Named as a rat-attracting violation
- Garbage/animal waste
- Must be in EC 6.055 containers
- Livestock/pet feed
- Must be rodent-proof storage
- Inspection authority
- City manager can inspect any premises
- Fine
- Up to $200 (EC 6.992)
- Last amended
- Ordinance 20598, July 16, 2018
Summary
Eugene's EC 6.015 bars property owners from letting conditions that attract rats or mice exist on their land, naming open compost piles, uncontained garbage or animal waste, and improperly stored animal feed as specific violations. Garbage and animal feed must go in rodent-proof containers, and the city manager can inspect any building or premises to check compliance.
No owner or person in charge of property shall allow conditions to exist thereon or therein, which attract or are likely to attract, feed or harbor rats or mice. The conditions prohibited by this section are nuisances subject to abatement as provided in this code. Conditions prohibited by this section include, but are not limited to: (a) Open compost piles; (b) Accumulated garbage, recycling or animal waste not stored in containers compliant with EC 6.055(2); (c) Animal feed not stored in compliance with subsection (3) of this section; and, (d) Overgrown vegetation that is used for habitation by rodents.
Full Breakdown
055(2)-compliant containers, improperly stored animal feed, and overgrown vegetation used for rodent habitation as examples; the list is non-exclusive. 005 as built of concrete, metal or an equally impermeable material in a way that excludes rats and mice. 5250's Urban Animal Keeping Standards and in a rodent-proof building, structure or container, and subsection (4) requires garbage that rats could eat to go into covered, rodent-proof containers of a type the city manager prescribes until collection. Subsection (5) extends the clean-and-free-of-rubbish standard to every improved or unimproved lot, street, sidewalk, alley and open area in the city, including a rule that lumber, boxes, barrels and loose iron be stored on supports so they don't create rat harborage.
Subsection (7) gives the city manager or designee authority to inspect the exterior, interior and underneath of any building, structure or premises in the city, and it is unlawful for an owner or person in charge to refuse a requested inspection. The section was last amended by Ordinance No. 20598 on July 16, 2018.
Violations & Fines
Violating any part of EC 6.015, including refusing a requested rodent inspection under subsection (7), is punishable by a fine of up to $200 under EC 6.992, since rodent control has no section-specific penalty listed in EC 6.990. The conditions are also enforceable as nuisances subject to the abatement process, meaning code compliance can additionally issue a 10-day notice to correct under EC 6.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an open compost pile in my Eugene yard?
What counts as a rodent-proof container?
Can the city inspect my property for rodent conditions without a warrant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eugene
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