Midland, TX Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited condition
- Matter likely to attract rodents/reptiles
- Max fine
- $500 per day
- Notice before City acts
- 10 days written notice
- Lien priority
- Second only to tax liens
Summary
Midland's health code bans letting filth or unwholesome matter build up on any lot if it is likely to attract rodents or reptiles, backed by misdemeanor fines and a City cleanup lien.
It shall be unlawful for any person or entity...to permit or allow any carrion, filth, or other impure or unwholesome matter to accumulate or remain thereon. For purposes of this Subsection "filth or other impure or unwholesome matter" shall mean any organic or inorganic substance whether gaseous, solid or liquid, which shall be likely to harbor disease causing organisms, or attract rodents or reptiles, or shall create a nuisance or an attractive nuisance as defined by common law.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Midland Code § 8-6-18(A)(3) makes it unlawful for any owner, occupant or possessor of a house, building, lot or yard to let carrion, filth, or other 'impure or unwholesome matter' accumulate or remain. The section defines that matter as any organic or inorganic substance 'likely to harbor disease causing organisms, or attract rodents or reptiles,' or that creates a nuisance under common law. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 per day under Subsection (C). If a 10-day written notice is ignored, the City may enter and clear the property itself and file a lien for the cost under Subsection (E).
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor, fine up to $500 per day, each day a separate offense; unpaid City cleanup costs become a lien on the property, second only to tax liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for a mess that draws rats?
Who enforces this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Midland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Midland to another location·View the Texas public health rules overview
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