Multnomah County, OR Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Nuisance Control Law, MCC § 15.225
- Prohibited condition
- Vector/rodent infestation or harborage
- Abatement notice
- 30-day written demand from Health Officer/Sheriff
- County cleanup cost
- Actual cost plus 25% surcharge, lien
- Penalty
- Class A violation, per-day fine
Summary
County code bans letting property or overgrown weeds and brush become infested with or harbor vectors and rodents, backed by inspection, abatement orders and fines for owners who don't clean up.
(6) Any property, whether vacant or improved buildings, residence structure or accumulation of any materials which is infested by vectors or rodents. (7) Uncontrolled or uncultivated growth of weeds, brush, or grasses which offer vector or rodent harborage, contribute noxious pollens to the atmosphere, constitute a fire hazard or produce toxins that are harmful to humans, pets, livestock or wildlife.
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County's Nuisance Control Law (MCC § 15.225 et seq.) makes it unlawful for an owner to let a vacant lot, building or accumulation of materials become infested by vectors or rodents, or to let weeds, brush or grass grow uncontrolled so they offer vector or rodent harborage. The Health Officer or Sheriff can inspect the property, issue a written 30-day abatement notice, and if the owner doesn't comply, abate the nuisance directly and bill the owner for the cost plus a 25% surcharge, secured by a lien. The subchapter's own text applies it in both unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county, including Portland, per § 15.225, though Portland separately enforces its own nuisance code.
Violations & Fines
Letting a property go infested by rodents or vectors, or overgrown into vector harborage, after a 30-day abatement notice is a Class A violation: fined up to the state maximum per day, plus abatement costs and a lien if unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Portland?
What counts as a rodent or vector nuisance here?
What happens if I ignore an abatement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon public health rules overview
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