Newport News, VA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Section 13-30 of the City Code applies to every structure in Newport News: the owner and/or occupant must keep it free from insect and rodent infestation, and once insects or rodents are found, the responsible party must promptly exterminate using approved processes that will not injure human health, then take precautions to prevent re-infestation. The obligation runs to whoever the code defines as a 'person responsible for real property,' which section 13-4 defines broadly as an owner, tenant, lessee, or any other person exercising dominion, management or control of the property.

Enforcement runs through the director of the department of codes compliance and any special conservator of the peace assigned to that department, under section 13-1. They may serve a written notice of violation and order to abate by mail to the last known address, by personal delivery, by leaving it with whoever is in charge of the premises, or, if no one can be found, by posting it at the entrance. Failing to obey that order lets the conservator issue a summons to general district court.

Because section 13-30 is not among the violations subsection 13-2(d) designates for the civil penalty track (only sections 13-150, 13-180 and two International Property Maintenance Code sections are), a rodent or insect infestation violation proceeds as a straight criminal misdemeanor under section 13-2(a): a fine of up to $2,500, with each day the violation continues after conviction or after the court's abatement deadline counted as a separate offense. Courts require abatement within six months of conviction absent good cause.