§ 12-141. Basements or cellars.

(a)

The exterior walls of basements or cellars of all business buildings shall be constructed of cement or masonry impervious to rodents at their junction with the ceiling or floor above, and all existing or potential openings in such walls through which rodents may gain entrance from the exterior or pass from one building to another, as those caused by defects in the wall construction, those around drains, pipes, wires or other installations and those of any other nature not used for passage, light or ventilation, shall be closed with cement, mortar, masonry, metal of twenty six (26) gauge or heavier or other suitable material as directed by the Health Officer.

(b)

When there is evidence of rodent infestation of the basement or cellars of business buildings having floors constructed in part or all of wood, the Health Officer may require that such wood floors be completely removed and that they be replaced with a cement floor three (3) inches or more in thickness, or if there is no basement floor the Health Officer may require that a suitable cement floor be installed.

(c)

All open pipes or drains in basements or cellars through which rodents may pass are required to be capped with a perforated iron or metal cover that is securely fastened in place, preferably by a hinge.

(d)

Any breaks, cracks or other openings in cement floors of basements through which rodents may pass shall be closed with cement mortar.

(e)

Basements or cellars of business buildings are required to be kept free of rubbish at all times and all merchandise or other materials stored in basements or cellars shall be kept so that such merchandise or other materials will not afford harborage for rodents as directed by the Health Officer.

(Ord. and Res. 1963, Sec. 9-12; CB-127-1987)