What is a public health nuisance?
A public health nuisance is defined by Minnesota law as any activity or failure to act that adversely affects public health.  

 

Examples that could result in a public health nuisance citation are:

  • Improperly stored solid waste, such as rotting garbage or dead animals.

  • Insect or rodent infestations.

  • Evidence of a meth lab or other clandestine drug manufacturing.

  • Unsafe living situations (lack of sewage disposal or garbage house) that affect children and vulnerable adults. 

Please note:  Clutter or general poor housekeeping is not considered a public health nuisance.  Accumulations of clothing, household goods, magazines or other examples of hoarding behavior are not necessarily a public health nuisance.

 

What is the difference between a public health nuisance and a public nuisance?
A public health nuisance is generally related to conditions that may affect one's health or cause a disease, whereas public nuisances tend to be non-health related conditions.

  • Examples of public nuisances include:

  • Excessive noise

  • Open wells

  • Animal control issues

  • Long grass

  • Leaking roof in a rental property, etc.