§ 9-80-10. Duty of occupant to free premises of rats or make repairs upon notice.

Whenever the health officer notifies, in writing, the occupant of a business building or multifamily dwelling theretofore ratproofed that there is evidence of rat infestation of the building, or that the ratproofing of the building is in need of repair, the occupant shall immediately institute appropriate measures for freeing the premises of all rats and making such repairs. Unless suitable measures for freeing the building of rats are instituted within three days after the receipt of notice and unless continuously maintained in a satisfactory manner until the building is free of rats, the health officer is authorized and directed to free the building of rats and make the necessary repairs at the expense of occupant thereof, and the health officer shall submit bills for the costs thereof to the occupant of the building, and if the same are not paid the health officer shall certify the amount due from the occupant to the city attorney, and the city attorney shall bring suit to collect the same. The expense thereof shall include the costs of labor, materials and equipment necessary for eradication measures and to repair the ratproofing and the bills for the same may be rendered monthly or upon completion of the work.

(Code 1967, § 32-89; Code 1985, § 16-379)