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

Howell Township enforces rodent control through the Property Maintenance Code adopted in Chapter 232, with local text in § 232-4. Section 302.5 requires all structures and exterior property to be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation. Where rodents are found, they must be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. After pest elimination, proper precautions must be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent reinfestation, so extermination alone does not close the file.

Several neighboring sections feed the same standard. Section 302.1 requires all exterior property and premises to be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition, with the occupant responsible for the part of the exterior property the occupant occupies or controls. Section 302.2 requires grading and maintenance to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water on a premises or within any structure. Section 308.1 requires all exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, to be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage. Occupants must dispose of rubbish and garbage in approved containers (§§ 308.2 and 308.3), the owner of every occupied premises must supply approved covered containers for rubbish and is responsible for its removal (§ 308.2.1), and the operator of an establishment producing garbage must provide leakproof containers with close-fitting covers (§ 308.3.2).

Responsibility follows the property. Under § 301.2 the owner maintains the structures and exterior property, and a person cannot occupy or let another occupy premises that are not in a sanitary and safe condition. The Township's nuisance definition in § 232-4 also reaches premises that are unsanitary or littered with rubbish or garbage.

Enforcement starts with written notice from the Code Enforcement Officer, Construction Official, a Howell Township Police Department officer or a representative of the Monmouth County Board of Health, by registered or certified and regular mail or personal service, with a correction period of not less than 10 days. Section 232-5 makes the Code Enforcement Officer the responsible official, working with the Police Department, the Fire Bureau, the Construction Code Official and the agent of the Board of Health. If the Township cures the problem itself, § 232-6 charges the certified cost to the land as a lien added to the next taxes.