Green Bay, WI Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforced by
- Inspection Division + County Health Dept
- Compliance window
- Up to 30 days after order
- Debris storage
- Elevated 18 inches off ground
- Max penalty
- $1,000 per offense
Summary
Green Bay's rat-prevention ordinance lets inspectors order property owners to store food and garbage in rat-proof containers, seal building openings, and hire pest control, backed by inspections and forfeitures up to $1,000.
(a)Purpose. It is the intent of these regulations to prevent, control, and limit the rat population of the City of Green Bay by modifying the environment to eliminate conditions that attract rats. The Inspection Division, in cooperation with the Brown County Health Department, shall establish an effective program of rodent prevention and control, including, but not limited to, alleviation of unsanitary conditions, control of access to food and harborage, rat-proofing of buildings, rat control, proper storage of foods and foodstuffs, maintenance of premises in a rat-free condition, rat extermination, and elimination or reduction of conditions found to be supportive of rat populations.(b)Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Building means any structure, whether public or private, which is devoted to or designed for occupancy or use of any kind whether or not it is actually or continually occupied or used in the manner for which it was devoted or designed.
Evidence of rats means the natural presence of rat runs, burrows, fecal droppings, urine, rubmarks, gnaw marks, tail drag marks, tracks, or other signs (sounds) which may be associated with the presence of rats.
Health Commissioner means the Brown County Health Commissioner or their designee.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 6-7 puts the Inspection Division, working with the Brown County Health Department, in charge of rat control citywide. Once an infestation or rat-attracting condition is found, the Inspector can order food and garbage stored in rat-proof containers, debris elevated 18 inches off the ground, building vents and drains sealed to openings no larger than one-half inch, and, for persistent problems, a contract with a licensed pest management professional. Owners get up to 30 days to comply before it becomes a violation.
Violations & Fines
Violating a rat-prevention order carries a forfeiture of $1.00 to $1,000.00 plus prosecution costs, with jail up to 90 days for nonpayment; each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces rat control in Green Bay?
What can the Inspector require if rats are found?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
Compare Green Bay to another location·View the Wisconsin public health rules overview
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Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle rodent control.