Minneapolis, MN Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Ch. 229
- Core rule
- Rat harborages are a public nuisance
- Owner duty
- Exterminate rats and ratproof buildings
- Bird feeders
- Must be raised 48+ inches high
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; each day a separate offense
Summary
Minneapolis declares rats and rat harborages a public nuisance citywide, requiring property owners to exterminate infestations, ratproof buildings, and store food waste in ratproof containers under Chapter 229 of the Code of Ordinances.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place, leave, dump, or allow to accumulate any animal, fruit or vegetable matter, garbage, rubbish or trash in any building or on any premises, improved or vacant, or on any open lot or alley within the city so that the same shall or may provide food or harborage for rats. Any waste material of animal, fruit or vegetable origin shall be stored in ratproof containers with tight-fitting doors or covers.
It shall be unlawful to feed wild birds except where feed is placed in feeders or platforms raised a minimum of forty-eight (48) inches above the ground, and so located and constructed so as not to be accessible to rats. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 781.060)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Under Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 229.20, rats and rat harborages are a public nuisance the owner must remove or exterminate. Section 229.50 bans storing lumber, boxes, or junk so it becomes rat-infested and requires owners to exterminate and clear harborages once notified. Section 229.60 bars leaving food waste, garbage, or rubbish where it can feed rats, requires ratproof containers with tight-fitting lids, and limits bird feeders to platforms at least 48 inches off the ground so rats can't reach them. Section 229.80 makes owners responsible for ratproofing building foundations, doors, and vents with rat-impervious material.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 229 is a misdemeanor under § 1.30, punishable by fine or jail up to Minnesota's misdemeanor maximum; each day of continued rat harborage or non-compliance counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces rodent control in Minneapolis?
What if I don't clear a rat harborage after notice?
Are backyard bird feeders regulated because of rats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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