Sheboygan, WI Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Section 26-653 sits in the Property Maintenance Code and governs responsibility for property exteriors. Subsection (d), headed insect and rodent harborage, assigns extermination of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests in all exterior areas of premises to the owner of the structure or property. The one carve-out is the exterior of a single-family dwelling, where the occupant carries that duty. The owner takes the duty back whenever infestation is caused by failure of the responsible person to keep a dwelling in a rat proof and insect proof condition.

The neighboring subsections supply the conditions that feed a pest problem. Subsection (b) requires all exterior property areas to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition free from any accumulation of rubbish, garbage or debris. Subsection (c) requires premises to be graded and maintained so that no stagnant water will accumulate or stand on the premises or within any building or structure on the premises. Subsection (a)(1) bars exterior storage of scrap lumber, junk, trash or other debris, including discarded motor vehicles, furniture, appliances, building materials or litter, where it limits the use or enjoyment of neighboring property. Subsection (e) requires accessory structures, including detached garages, to be kept structurally sound and in good repair.

Rooming houses carry a parallel rule in Sec. 26-804. The operator of a roominghouse is responsible for extermination of any insects, rodents or other pests in the roominghouse, and for the entire premises where the whole building is leased or occupied by the operator. If infestation of a roominghouse is caused by the operator's failure to keep the dwelling rodent proof or reasonably insect proof, extermination becomes the owner's responsibility. Under Sec. 26-652, code enforcement officers or inspectors inspect premises as necessary and can abate a violation as a nuisance under Chapter 26 or Chapter 66.