Royal Oak, MI Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Chapter 587, Rodent Control, adopted December 23, 1963 by Ordinance No. 63-21, requires every building erected after the chapter's effective date, and the ground around it, to be ratproofed and kept in that condition (§ 587-2); existing buildings and vacant or unimproved property must likewise be ratproofed whenever a rat harborage or potential harborage exists, and owners are responsible for keeping vacant land free of harborage at all times (§ 587-3). Section 587-4 requires that building material, lumber, boxes, cans, junk, and food or foodstuffs that could shelter or feed rats be stored and handled so as not to create harborage, and § 587-12 sets a specific standard for exterior storage: items must sit on ratproof paved areas or be elevated 18 inches above ground and separated to permit inspection.

Section 587-5 obligates occupants, or owners in a multiple dwelling, to institute rat control measures once an infestation is found and to maintain them until the Health Officer or Chief Inspector declares the premises free of infestation. Food establishments face an added licensing condition under § 587-7: no license issues until the premises are approved as ratproof. Section 587-8 bars anyone doing repairs, alterations, or utility installations from removing ratproofing without restoring it. The Health Officer may promulgate rules under § 587-10 and must approve ratproofing materials under § 587-11.