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<br />. Neighborhood Nuisance Handbook
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<br />Page 15 of17
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<br />However, if you see evidence ofrats or other vermin, call Animal Control (645-3953). The response
<br />will vary depending upon the type of nuisance animal. In the case of rats, Animal Control can come
<br />out, test rat holes and bait sewer lines in the area. For cockroaches, Public Health will issue orders,
<br />and has the ability to condemn the building as unfit for human habitation in extreme cases.
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<br />If pests are inside a building, the City can require the owner or the tenant to exterminate the pests.
<br />The general guidelines are:
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<br />The owner is responsible if two or more dwelling units are infested, or if common areas of a building
<br />are infested, or if the reason for the infestation is that the owner did not keep the building in a proper
<br />sanitary condition to prevent pests. The occupant is responsible if only that dwelling unit is
<br />infested.If an infestation of a building or dwelling unit is severe, Public Health can condemn the
<br />building or unit as unfit for human habitation. The building or unit must then be vacated and cannot
<br />be re-occupied until the infestation is gone.
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<br />SEPTIC TANKS, CESSPOOLS, AND OTHER SANITARY STRUCTURES
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<br />Privies, vaults, sewers, private drains, cisterns, septic tanks, cesspools or drain fields are considered
<br />nuisances when they have failed, do not function properly, overflow or leak, produce offensive odors,
<br />or are abandoned or no longer used. If they have been emptied and filled with clean fill, they are
<br />acceptable.
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<br />In addition, a vault, septic tank or cesspool may be a nuisance if it does not meet City criteria for
<br />proper location and operation. Call Public Health (292-7771) to report these types of sanitary
<br />nuisances. The procedure followed is the same as for other property nuisances.
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<br />STAGNANT WATER
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<br />Standing stagnant water and containers or property kept in a condition that allows water to
<br />accumulate and stagnate are nuisances. Call Public Health (292-7771) for an order covering
<br />collection, dumping or draining of stagnant water or for a summary abatement (see SUMMARY
<br />ABATEMENT).
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<br />STREET MAINTENANCE
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<br />If you need a pot hole filled, want information about street cleaning of have any other questions about
<br />street maintenance, call Public Works at 292-6600 or the Citizen Service Office (266-8989).
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<br />SUMMARY ABATEMENT
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<br />"Summary abatement" is the term the City uses to describe what is done when the City removes (or
<br />"abates") a nuisance, when the owner has failed to do so. Summary abatements are used for:
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<br />Boarding vacant buildings which have broken windows, open doors, or holes, if the owner has failed
<br />to secure the building. Demolition of vacant buildings, if the owner fails to rehabilitate or demolish
<br />the building within a reasonable time. Trash, garbage, or other waste removal, if the owner does not
<br />remove it when ordered. Broken sewer lines, such as those which happen during rodent or pest
<br />extermination. Cutting high grass or weeds, again if the owner fails to do so. Other property
<br />nuisances, such as hazards, hazardous wastes, graffiti, noxious substances, firewood, stagnant water,
<br />sanitary structures, snow shoveling, etc. The City's action may be prompt after allowing the owner a
<br />reasonable time to remove the nuisance. The cost of a summary abatement is charged to the property
<br />owner as a special assessment (see ASSESSMENTS).
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<br />http://www.stpaul.gov /councillhandbook.html
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<br />07/06/1999
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