Pasadena, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 8.28
- Ratproofing duty
- Structures, sheds, garages must exclude rodents
- Vent screening
- Openings no greater than 1/4 inch
- Storage clearance
- Materials 18 inches up, 12 inches from walls
- Inspection hours
- Health officer can enter 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Trap duty
- Owner must bait, set, check traps daily
Summary
Pasadena property owners must keep buildings and lots ratproofed and free of rodent harborage under the rat and insect control ordinance, Chapter 8.28. Dumping rubbish that could feed or shelter rats is banned, foundation vents need quarter-inch screening, and the health officer can order extermination or demolition when a building is infested.
No person shall maintain any structure, storeroom, warehouse, residence, shed, garage or other building, that is not constructed and maintained so as to prevent rodents from entering or harboring underneath the same or within the walls, under the floors or in the attic or roof space. All foundation and attic vents shall be effectively screened with a screen or grill, having no opening greater than ¼ inch. All cellar or basement doors and crawl-hole closures shall fit tightly and be maintained in good repair so as to prevent effectively the entrance of rodents. All buildings shall be effectively repaired or constructed so as to prevent the entrance of rodents through holes, access doors, utility cabinets, or breaks in exterior walls, in foundations, under eaves, at roof intersections or elsewhere.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 79 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
011 declares any infested building, structure or premises a nuisance the health officer can abate under the title's general procedures. 020 bans placing, dumping or letting rubbish, waste, manure or organic matter accumulate anywhere it could feed rats or flies. 060 requires every structure, storeroom, warehouse, residence, shed or garage to be built and maintained so rodents cannot enter or harbor underneath, within the walls, under the floors, or in the attic; foundation and attic vents must be screened with openings no larger than a quarter inch, and cellar doors and crawl-hole closures must fit tightly.
070 extends the same ratproofing duty to anyone who alters, repairs or adds to a building, or installs wiring, conduits or pipes, requiring restoration of any ratproofing that gets destroyed. 080 bars rodent harborages on improved or unimproved premises: lumber, boxes, barrels and loose metal that could shelter rodents must sit on supports at least 18 inches above the ground, with a 12-inch clear space from any building or wall. 050 makes it unlawful to tamper with or move a trap the health officer placed. m.
Violations & Fines
Failing to abate a rat infestation after written notice, refusing entry to the health officer between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or tampering with a trap or bait station the health officer placed all violate Chapter 8.28. An infested building is itself declared a public nuisance under Section 8.28.011, subject to abatement, and an owner who does not comply with a demolition or repair notice within the deadline the health officer sets is in violation of Section 8.28.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to ratproof a building in Pasadena?
What counts as illegal rodent harborage on a Pasadena property?
Can the Pasadena health officer inspect my property for rats?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
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