Public Health Rules in Iowa (2026)
14 rules on the books across Iowa, 13 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Rodent Control
Property owner duties to abate rats and mice, restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (CA AB-1788), and integrated-pest-management standards.
Ames
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Ames, Iowa, Municipal Code Sec. 13.411 requires every structure to be kept free of insect and rodent…
Read full rule →Black Hawk County
Some RestrictionsOnce the Black Hawk County Health Officer determines cockroaches, rodents, or other vermin are present on a property…
Read full rule →Cedar Rapids
Some RestrictionsCedar Rapids classifies the presence of rats, flies or other vermin in or upon any premises as a nuisance in its own…
Read full rule →Des Moines
Some RestrictionsBusiness buildings within Des Moines must be ratproofed and kept rat-free under Municipal Code Article V, with the…
Read full rule →Dubuque
Some RestrictionsThe City of Dubuque's Property Maintenance Code requires every structure to stay free of insects, rodents, and other…
Read full rule →Iowa City
Some RestrictionsIowa City treats vermin infestations, and any condition that harbors breeding rats, mice or other pests, as a public…
Read full rule →Johnson County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated Johnson County, tenants in a single-family rental must exterminate rodents, insects or other pests on…
Read full rule →Linn County
Some RestrictionsLinn County's mobile home park code requires grounds and structures be kept free of rodent and insect harborage, with…
Read full rule →Polk County
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Polk County bars cockroaches, rodents or other vermin on any property once the Health Officer confirms…
Read full rule →Sioux City
Some RestrictionsSioux City's housing code splits pest and rodent extermination duty between tenant and landlord depending on whether an…
Read full rule →Story County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated Story County, any building or place that breeds, harbors, feeds or shelters vermin or pests…
Read full rule →Waterloo
Some RestrictionsWaterloo bans steel, leghold, conibear, snare and box traps outdoors except in specific cases. City Code section 5-1-5…
Read full rule →West Des Moines
Some RestrictionsWest Des Moines declares any condition that breeds or harbors vermin a nuisance under City Code § 4-4-2(I). The rule…
Read full rule →Syringe Disposal
How residents must dispose of home-generated sharps (insulin syringes, EpiPens), including kiosk locations and take-back-mailer programs.