Pismo Beach, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Pismo Beach handles rodent habitat through its nuisance ordinance, not a separate rodent or vector control chapter. Section 8.20.020(C) defines a premises as a public nuisance when it holds any condition, thing or use in violation of a law, ordinance or permit related to the condition, maintenance or use of the premises. Item 1 names excessive overgrowth of vegetation, dead, decayed or diseased trees, growth of weeds or deposit of garden waste that are likely to harbor rats or vermin, constitute a fire or health hazard, or may be dangerous to the public health, safety, or welfare.

The test is the condition of the property. Nothing in the section measures rodent counts or sets a height or distance. The city acts on vegetation and garden waste that create harborage. Nearby items in the same subsection add outside storage of lumber, junk, trash and debris visible from a public area, and abandoned furniture or appliances visible from a public area.

A nuisance finding runs through the City Council, which can act by resolution after a hearing (§ 8.20.040). Under § 8.20.090, if the council finds a nuisance and sufficient cause for abatement, it can order abatement within thirty days or another time limit it specifies, by the manner and means set out in the resolution. The owner can clean up the property before the deadline and end the proceeding (§ 8.20.110). Abatement methods include rehabilitation, repair, demolition, removal or other appropriate action (§ 8.20.030).

Weeds and dry vegetation that also create a fire hazard fall under Chapter 8.32, which puts the fire chief in charge of abatement.