Anderson County, SC Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Article V of chapter 26 pairs weed control with vermin control under one enforcement scheme. Section 26-140 states the county's purpose is protecting property values, preventing fire and traffic hazards, and stopping lots from becoming breeding grounds for or infested with mosquitoes, insects, or rodents. Section 26-141 defines 'vermin infestation' as an overrunning or inhabiting of a lot or parcel with a large number of rats, snakes, or other dangerous, destructive or disease-carrying animals, within a developed platted subdivision or a residential structure, to an extent that creates a nuisance or potential health problem for adjoining lots.

Section 26-142(b) makes it unlawful for the owner of any occupied or unoccupied lot within, or within 200 feet of, a platted subdivision or residential structure to permit that kind of vermin infestation. Enforcement runs through notice: under § 26-143, the county serves the owner and occupant with a violation notice, deliverable in person or by certified mail to the tax address and the site address. Under § 26-144, if the person notified doesn't comply within ten days of personal delivery, or 20 days of mailing, they're guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under § 1-7, and the court can add a minimum of five hours of litter-gathering labor or other public service in lieu of or alongside a fine.

If the violation still isn't corrected, § 26-145 lets the county enter the lot and correct it directly. Section 26-142(c) shifts responsibility to a non-owner occupant if the owner has no legal right to enter the property or force the occupant's compliance. Property sold by the county master in equity gets a temporary exemption under § 26-146 while a redemption period is still running, provided the required notice is posted on-site.