Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Pima County, AZ Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Pima County Code 8.40
Trigger
Written notice from health officer
Scope
Unincorporated county only
Enforcer
Pima County Health Department

Summary

Pima County bans rodent harborage on any property in the unincorporated county and requires owners to clear infestations once notified.

City-specific rules exist: Tucson has its own rodent control rules that differ from Pima County's county-level regulations. If you live in Tucson, check the city-specific page instead.

No person, being the owner, or person in charge, or occupant of any building, structure, place or premises, shall permit therein any unsanitary or uncontrolled harborage or breeding of rodents or other animals declared by the health officer to be dangerous to the public health.

B.   The infestation by or harborage of rodents, lice, bedbugs, roaches, flies, feral bees and wasps, vermin, or other animals in or about any premises is declared to be a public nuisance dangerous to public health. No persons shall cause, maintain or within his control permit such infestation.

C.   Failure to keep bee hives in compliance with Pima County Code 18.07.030 (E)(1) or the keeping of a colony which exhibits unusually aggressive characteristics by stinging or attempting to sting without due provocation or which exhibits an unusual disposition towards swarming is declared to be a public nuisance, dangerous to public health. No persons shall cause, maintain, or permit such nuisance within Pima County.

D.   Whenever the health officer notifies such person in writing of the evidence of rodent or other animal harborage, he shall take immediate measure to render and maintain such infested premises free of such harborage and breeding places.

E.   The owner, occupant or person in control of any place or premises where infestation occurs or exists shall take all necessary and proper steps to eliminate such infestation or harborage. (Ord. 1998-77 § 1, 1998; Prior code § 23.16.010(A))

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-64: Contains Supplement, with local legislation through Ordinance 2026-9, passed 7-28-2026, current through 7-28-2026).

Full Breakdown

In unincorporated Pima County, owners, occupants, or persons in charge of a building or premises may not permit unsanitary or uncontrolled harborage or breeding of rodents that the health officer deems dangerous to public health. Once the health officer gives written notice of rodent evidence, the responsible person must immediately take measures to eliminate it. This does not apply inside Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, or South Tucson, which enforce their own codes.

Violations & Fines

A public nuisance dangerous to public health under Section 8.40.010; penalties are set by the general Chapter 8.04 health code penalty provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply inside Tucson?
No. Tucson enforces its own city code; this section covers only the unincorporated county.
What must I do after a rodent notice?
Take immediate measures to render and maintain the premises free of rodent harborage once the health officer notifies you in writing.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pima County

All Pima County rules

Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona public health rules overview

Get notified when Rodent Control in Pima County, AZ changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Rodent Control in Cities Across Pima County