Lake County, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

1(e)(7). 2(a) puts a hard clock on it: to prevent the propagation, harborage, or attraction of flies, rodents, or other vectors, garbage and refuse other than nonflammable inert material cannot remain on the premises for more than seven days. Subsection (b) sets container standards: garbage must be drained, wrapped, and stored in durable, rust-resistant, nonabsorbent, watertight containers not exceeding ninety-six gallons with tight-fitting covers, and plastic garbage bags may never be used for outside storage. Garbage cannot be stored in a trailer or vehicle except while actively being transported for lawful disposal.

Even nonflammable inert material that is not properly stored cannot become a rodent or vector harborage and must be removed within thirty days if unmaintained. Multifamily dwelling owners must contract with a franchise hauler or otherwise take responsibility for disposal, and receptacles serving those properties must be emptied at least once a week and before contents reach the rim. Section 13-3(e)(8) separately lists items that provide harborage for rats or other vermin among the conditions the County treats as a nuisance, reinforcing the same vector-control purpose across the chapter.

The Enforcement Official administers these rules and may require a maintenance plan, including proof of regular garbage service, as a condition of an abatement order.