Longmont, CO Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Any property, improved or vacant
- Storage rule
- Racks elevated at least 18 inches
- Enforcement
- City abatement plus property lien
- County note
- Lien via Boulder or Weld County
Summary
Longmont bans letting garbage, rubbish or trash pile up on any property, improved or vacant, where it could feed or shelter rats, and requires stacked lumber or containers to sit on racks at least 18 inches off the ground.
It is unlawful for any person to place, leave, dump or permit to accumulate any garbage, rubbish or trash in any building or on any premises, improved or vacant, or on any open lot or alley so that the same shall or may afford food or harborage for rats. It is unlawful for any person to permit to accumulate on any premises, improved or vacant, or on any open lot or alley, any lumber, boxes, barrels, bottles, cans, containers or similar materials that may be permitted to remain thereon, unless same shall be placed on open racks that are elevated not less than 18 inches above the ground and evenly piled or stacked.
(Code 1981, § 9-3-15; Code 1993, § 9.16.150; Code 2009, § 9.16.150; Ord. No. O-93-14, § 16)
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code § 9.16.150 reaches every parcel in the city, not just business buildings: it is unlawful to let garbage, rubbish or trash accumulate anywhere it may afford rats food or harborage, and stored materials like lumber, boxes or barrels must sit on open racks raised at least 18 inches and evenly stacked. If an owner or occupant does not clear a violation, § 9.16.090 lets the city hire an exterminator and certify the cost plus a 20 percent service charge as a lien, collected through the Boulder County or Weld County treasurer depending on where the parcel sits.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful accumulation triggers city abatement under § 9.16.090: exterminator costs plus a 20 percent surcharge become a lien collected by the county treasurer as if it were property tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the city clean up my property and bill me?
Is it a violation to stack lumber on my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
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Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Boulder County handle rodent control.