Joliet, IL Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- IPMC 2015, adopted by § 8-335
- Trigger
- "vermin or rat infested" structure
- Enforcer
- Neighborhood Services code official
- Consequence
- Condemnation placard, forced vacate
- Fine
- $150-$750 per offense, daily
- Food establishments
- Must be "rat proof" (§ 13-113)
Summary
Joliet has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, and its local amendment lets the code official condemn any structure found to be vermin or rat infested as unfit for human occupancy. A separate food-code section requires every food establishment premises to be rat-proof, enforced by the health authority.
108.1.3Structure Unfit for Human Occupancy: Shall read as follows: A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by the International Property Maintenance Code or amendments to the International Property Maintenance Code as set forth in this division, or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 200).
Full Breakdown
Section 8-335 adopts the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code by reference and rewrites several of its sections for Joliet. 3 makes a structure "unfit for human occupancy" whenever the code official finds it "vermin or rat infested," alongside unsanitary conditions, filth or missing ventilation, sanitary or heating facilities. 2 lets the code official close and secure a vacant structure if the owner fails to do so, with the city's cost becoming a lien on the real estate. 1. 4 directs that violators "shall be punished as prescribed by law," with each day a violation continues after notice counted as a separate offense.
Because chapter 13's food code separately requires food establishments to control vermin, § 13-113 additionally mandates that "the premises shall be rat proof" and that openings be screened or self-closing to minimize vermin entrance, backed by the health authority's inspection and permit-suspension powers under §§ 13-137 and 13-152. Together the two chapters give Joliet a citywide condemnation trigger for rat-infested buildings and a standing rat-proofing mandate specific to restaurants, grocers and other licensed food establishments.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the adopted Property Maintenance Code, including a rat-infested condemnation finding, is punished under the Code's general penalty, § 1-8(a): a fine of $150 to $750 plus costs per offense, with each day of continued noncompliance a separate offense. The code official may also placard and order the structure vacated, and if the owner does not secure a vacant, condemned structure, the city may do so and place a lien on the property for its costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the city condemn a rat-infested house in Joliet?
Who enforces rodent standards on Joliet properties?
Do Joliet restaurants have a separate rat-proofing rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Joliet
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