Parker, TX Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 94.02(J), debris breeding place for pests
- Materials covered
- Paper, plastic, bottles, tires, lumber, junk
- Related weeds rule
- Weeds over 12 inches also a nuisance
- Abatement window
- 7 days after written notice
- Fine
- Up to $2,000 per day
Summary
Parker declares it a code violation to let trash, junk or debris pile up on a property in a way that creates a harborage or breeding place for rats, vermin or insects. Section 94.02(J) of the City Code covers paper, plastic, bottles, tires, discarded lumber, rocks and similar junk, and violators face fines through the city's standard nuisance-abatement process.
(J) The act of allowing paper, plastic, bottles, tires, discarded lumber, rocks, junk, or other trash or debris to accumulate or remain on any premises by a person owning or controlling the premises: (1) In such a manner as to create a harborage or breeding place for rats, vermin, or insects;
Full Breakdown
02(J) of the Parker Code of Ordinances specifically targets accumulated debris that draws pests. It is a declared nuisance to allow paper, plastic, bottles, tires, discarded lumber, rocks, junk or other trash or debris to accumulate or remain on any premises in a manner that creates a harborage or breeding place for rats, vermin or insects, or that is otherwise offensive or injurious to public health, unpleasant to look at, or a source of foul odors to neighbors or people in a public right-of-way. 02 covers stagnant water and other accumulations that breed disease-carrying insects, so a property can draw a rodent-and-vermin citation through several overlapping routes.
04(C) to clear the debris before the city can do the work itself and bill the owner, with the cost becoming a lien on the property under Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 342 at 10% annual interest. 04(B).
Violations & Fines
A property owner who lets debris create a rat, vermin or insect harborage under § 94.02(J) faces a fine of up to $2,000 per offense under § 94.99(B), with each day the condition continues counted separately. Ignoring a 7-day abatement notice lets the city clear the debris itself and place a lien on the property for the cost plus 10% annual interest under § 94.04(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for a rat problem caused by junk in my yard?
What if my neighbor's overgrown lot is attracting rodents?
What happens if I don't clean up the debris after being notified?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Parker
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Parker to another location·View the Texas public health rules overview
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Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Collin County handle rodent control.