Garbage/Junk/Nuisances

Public Nuisances

Whatever is injurious to the public health or safety or an obstruction to the free use of property so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by the public shall be deemed a public nuisance. If a violation is determined to exist, a notice will be sent to the owner giving 72 hours (3 days) to correct the situation.

The following are investigated by the Health Services Department:

  • Accumulation of Solid Waste and Noxious Substances: Accumulations of yard waste, refuse, solid waste, vehicle parts, garbage, noxious substances or hazardous wastes, junk, unused building materials, salvage material or other offensive substances thrown, left, or deposited in or upon any street, avenue, alley, sidewalk, park, public square, public enclosure, public or private lot, whether vacant or occupied or upon any pond or pool of water.
  • Stagnant Water:  Stagnant water standing on any property, including any container or material kept in such condition that water can accumulate and stagnate.
  • Vermin and Pests:  Conditions which can harbor or breed vermin and infestations of vermin, such as rats, mice, skunks, snakes, bats, starlings, pigeons, bees (except tended honeybees), wasps, cockroaches, or flies.
  • Septic Systems/Private Sewer Facilities:  Facilities for the storage or processing of sewage, such as privies, outhouses, port-a-potties, vaults, sewers, private drains, septic tanks, cesspools, drain fields, or similar facilities, which have failed to or do not function properly or which are overflowing, leaking, or emanating odors; Septic tanks, cisterns, and cesspools which are abandoned or no longer in use unless properly emptied and filled with clean fill; Any vault, cesspool or septic tank which does not comply with applicable health.

To report violations of the garbage/junk/nuisance ordinance, contact the Health Services Department at 563-589-4181.