Lakewood, WA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- LMC 8.16.010(E),(J),(N),(O) and 8.16.020
- Trash rule
- Debris 'not neatly piled' harboring rodents is a nuisance
- Garbage cans
- Must resist rodent gnawing, have tight lids
- Vine/grass limit
- Over 2 feet allowing rodent infestation is a nuisance
- City cost interest
- 12% per annum on abatement costs
Summary
Lakewood, Washington's public nuisance code targets conditions that harbor rats and other pests: debris piles, gnaw-prone garbage cans, and tall grass or blackberry vines are all declared nuisances under LMC 8.16.010. LMC 8.16.020 separately requires every dwelling's occupant to keep the yard free of uncut grass, weeds and debris specifically to prevent rodent, insect or pest infestation.
The following specific acts, omissions, places, conditions and things are declared to be nuisances: ... ... E. Trash, litter, rags, debris, accumulations of empty barrels, boxes, crates, packing cases, mattresses, bedding, furniture and appliances, excelsior, packing hay, straw, or other packing material, lumber or construction material not neatly piled, scrap iron, and other metal not neatly piled which provides harborage for rodents, or other pests; ... ... J. Garbage cans which are not impervious to rodent gnawing or do not have tight-fitting lids; ... ... N. Blackberry vines or any tall grass or weeds over two feet in height which allow for rodent or pest infestation; O. Grass clippings, cut brush or cut weeds which may create a fly or rodent harborage;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
050: the City Manager or designee can order the responsible person to correct the condition, and if it is not corrected in the time given, the City can abate it directly and recover its costs, plus interest at 12 percent per year, as a lien against the property. Orders can be served personally, by registered mail, or by posting on the property, and if the responsible party cannot be located, by publishing notice twice in the City's official newspaper.
Violations & Fines
Maintaining a rodent-harboring nuisance under LMC 8.16.010 or failing the yard-maintenance duty in LMC 8.16.020 exposes the responsible owner or occupant to abatement costs recovered by the City, plus 12 percent annual interest, enforceable as a lien on the property. The City may pursue this civil remedy in addition to, or as an alternative to, prosecuting the same conduct as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or infraction under other City codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lakewood require rodent-proof garbage cans?
Can my neighbor's overgrown yard be reported for attracting rats?
What happens if I don't clean up a rodent-attracting nuisance after a City notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Washington public health rules overview
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Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle rodent control.