Lake County, IL Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

08(B) of the Lake County Public Nuisances Ordinance declares it a nuisance to allow any infestation of pests or vermin in a structure or on a property, or to fail to remove conditions in a structure or on a property that may permit such an infestation. That single sentence covers both the animals themselves, such as rodents and insects, and the harborage conditions, like accumulated debris or food waste, that let an infestation take hold. 08 as primarily enforced by the Lake County Health Department, unlike most of the chapter, which is jointly enforced by the Health Department, the Planning, Building and Development Department, and the Sheriff's Office.

02(A) restricts to unincorporated territory, the Health Department can pursue an infestation nuisance inside incorporated towns as well, wherever it holds jurisdictional or contractual enforcement authority. 81 warning of ordinance violation, posted on the property, handed to the occupant, or mailed to the owner, giving at least seven days to abate the infestation before further action. 82 authorizes a notice of ordinance violation for a hearing before the Administrative Adjudication Hearing Officer, or a citation returnable to the 19th Judicial Circuit Court; paying the listed fine before the hearing date resolves the case without a hearing. 84 until the Enforcement Officer certifies the condition has ended.