San Diego, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- SDMC §94.01, Article 4
- Who must comply
- All business buildings
- Enforcer
- City Health Officer
- Failure to restore proofing
- Misdemeanor, §94.18
Summary
San Diego requires every business building to rat-proof basements, floors, doors, windows, and vents using approved materials, with the Health Officer able to order the same for other buildings when rat infestation is found.
All business buildings and premises shall comply with all of the following rat-proofing requirements, and all other buildings and premises shall comply with such requirements the Health Officer may order when rat-infestation is found.
Full Breakdown
Under Municipal Code Article 4 (Rat-Proofing), all business buildings and premises must meet detailed construction standards intended to keep rats out: sealed basement walls, capped drains, rat-proofed doors and windows, screened vents, and curtain walls at imperfect foundations, using materials such as 24- to 26-gauge sheet metal or cement mortar approved by the Health Officer. Non-business buildings must comply only when the Health Officer orders it after finding rat infestation.
Violations & Fines
Removing rat-proofing during repairs or alterations and failing to restore it promptly, or creating new openings that let rats enter, is a misdemeanor under §94.18.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What materials satisfy the rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
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Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle rodent control.