Novi, MI Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Novi City Code Sec. 21-59 makes it unlawful to feed or attract any rodent or pest or to let a rodent or pest condition exist on any occupied or vacant lot. Wild bird or animal feeding is restricted to commercially available bird feed such as seed or suet, and any unattended feeder must be inaccessible to rodents and elevated at least 48 inches above ground level whenever possible. If the Department of Neighborhood Services determines that feeding wildlife on a lot is attracting or causing rodent or pest infestation, it can mail or post notice declaring that lot a no-feeding zone for not less than 60 days.

Separately, once an inspector finds a structure or lot in violation, the owner, operator or occupant gets written notice by first class mail describing the corrective measures needed, with at least 10 days to comply. If the owner fails to act, the city can exterminate or otherwise abate the condition itself and bill the cost, including administrative and legal expenses, to the owner. Unpaid abatement bills become a lien on the property under City Charter Chapter 11, collected through the tax roll, and unpaid balances accrue interest at 6 percent per year from the date the lien is filed with the city assessor.

Any structure, building or lot found in violation is separately declared a nuisance per se that a court can order abated on top of the civil infraction process.