Local Governments are charged with protecting the health of their communities and residents by enforcing state and local public health nuisance laws.

This handbook was revised to help county staff with public health nuisance work. A public health nuisance guide, sample policy/procedure document, and a nuisance flowchart were created to assist counties with public health nuisances.

To better understand public health nuisances and the importance of an internal policy and procedure, it is best to start with the resources found under AMC Resources.

This site also contains sample:

• Nuisance Policies and Procedures

• Case Studies

• Sample Nuisance Letters (re: inspection, abatement, and follow-up)

• Other Tools and Resources

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 of what could result in a public health nuisance citation include:

• 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.