Highland, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Building harborage rule
- HMC § 8.32.020(A)(2): breeding place for rodents or vermin
- Vegetation rule
- HMC § 8.32.020(B)(4): overgrown vegetation likely to harbor rodents or vermin
- Minimum abatement period
- Not less than 10 days
- Enforcing official
- The building official
- Hearing body
- Planning commission acting as the appeals board
- Repeat judgments
- Treble abatement costs within a two-year period
Summary
In the City of Highland, California, any building or structure that is a breeding place for rodents or vermin is a public nuisance under Highland Municipal Code Section 8.32.020(A)(2). Overgrown vegetation likely to harbor rodents or vermin is a separate nuisance under subsection (B)(4). The building official enforces both through notice, an abatement period of not less than 10 days, and a hearing.
A. A public nuisance is created by every building or structure which: ... ... 2. Is a breeding place for rodents or vermin; ... ... B. A public nuisance is created by any condition or use of a building, structure or property which is detrimental to the property of others. This includes, but is not limited to: ... ... 4. Overgrown vegetation which is likely to harbor rodents or vermin or which obstructs the necessary view of drivers on public streets or private driveways and/or neighboring property(ies);
Full Breakdown
Rodent and vermin harborage in the City of Highland is handled inside the property maintenance chapter, Chapter 8.32 of the Highland Municipal Code. Two provisions in Section 8.32.020 name rodents directly. Subsection (A)(2) makes a public nuisance of every building or structure that is a breeding place for rodents or vermin. Subsection (B)(4) covers overgrown vegetation which is likely to harbor rodents or vermin or which obstructs the necessary view of drivers on public streets or private driveways and neighboring property. Because Section 8.32.010 defines building/structure to include fences, walls, billboards and any other manmade device within the property's legal boundaries, the harborage rule reaches more than the main house.
Related conditions sit beside them. Subsection (B)(3) makes a nuisance of trash, garbage or refuse bins, boxes or containers stored in front or side yards where they are visible from a public street or neighboring property, and subsection (B)(5) covers any use of property that creates a noxious smell or conditions dangerous to public safety, health or welfare, including the dumping of construction or landscape material. Section 8.12.160 separately requires containers capable of holding without spilling all refuse that would ordinarily accumulate between two successive collections.
The enforcement path follows Section 8.32.030. The building official notifies the owner, lessee, occupant and anyone else in charge or control of the property, sets an abatement period of not less than 10 days, and can send the hearing notice with it or separately. An owner who fixes the problem tells the building official, and the department inspects to confirm. Otherwise the planning commission, acting as the appeals board, holds a hearing and the resulting order sets the time to start and finish the work. The owner can appeal to the city council in writing within 10 days of service. Section 8.32.250 lets the building official order summary abatement without notice or hearing when conditions are an immediate threat to health, safety or welfare.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with a served abatement order is a violation under Section 8.32.200, and so is removing a posted notice. When the city abates the harborage itself, the costs become a lien on the parcel under Section 8.32.190, and Section 8.28.020 makes a noncomplying person liable for the city's abatement costs, including attorneys' fees where the city elected to seek them. A second or subsequent judgment within a two-year period exposes the owner to treble abatement costs under Section 8.32.240.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the City of Highland treat as a rodent nuisance?
Does overgrown landscaping count?
How long do I have to clean up after a notice?
Can the city clean up the property and bill me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Highland
California rules heatmap·Compare Highland 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.
Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle rodent control.