SF Health Code Articles 11 and 26 require property owners to keep premises free of rats and mice, and the Department of Public Health may issue abatement orders or perform work and lien costs to the property.
Owners must rodent-proof structures, remove harborage like dense ivy and debris piles, and store garbage in tight-fitting bins. DPH inspectors respond to 311 complaints and may inspect adjacent parcels when infestations spread. Construction and demolition projects require a rodent control plan to prevent rats fleeing into neighboring buildings. The City coordinates baiting in sewers via SFPUC. Use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides is restricted under California AB 1788. SF runs targeted abatement zones in Chinatown, Tenderloin, and SoMa where rodent pressure is highest.
Owners ignoring abatement notices face fines up to $1,000 per day plus the City's cost of work performed, recorded as a lien against the property.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco's rodent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.