Environmental Health Investigations:
Cleveland Department of Public Health
A public nuisance is an activity that adversely affects the health, safety, welfare, comfort, or convenience of the public in general. Inspectors from the Division of Environmental Health actively seek out public nuisance violations of the City of Cleveland Health Code and work to solve nuisance related problems in a swift and fair manner. The Division’s Nuisance Program helps to keep our neighborhoods beautiful and safe.
High Weeds and Grass:
The City of Cleveland requires that all properties have grass shorter than 8 inches at all times. Keeping grass low keeps our neighborhoods looking nice and helps keep rodent, mosquito and other insect populations low.
(**Codified ordinance 209.01)
Trash Cans:
A major source of nuisance is how trash is stored. The Division of Environmental Health recommends all residents use tight fitting lidded trash cans that are fully intact. The Division of Environment ensures that only approved containers are used to store trash until removal.
(**Codified ordinance 203.07)
Stagnant Water:
The CDPH Division of Environmental Health requires that standing water in any yard, cellar, lot, court, hole or area on any property is drained. Whenever the property containing a yard, cellar, lot, court, hole or area that collects water is located next to a street with a public sewer, the water must be directed into that sewer. Pools and fountains that drain water appropriately are allowed as long as the water in the pool or fountain does not become stagnant.
It is against the law for anyone to let water from any well, spring, fire plug, hydrant or other place that they control run so that it forms a stagnant pool or mud hole:
- On their property or land under their control;
- On property next to theirs;
- In any street; or
- On other public grounds.
(**Codified Ordinance 203.07)
Accumulations of Garbage, Refuse and Waste:
CDPH Division of Environmental Health respond to garbage, refuse and waste complaints in order to maintain safe, beautiful neighborhoods in the City of Cleveland. By law, owners, occupants or anyone in charge of any property must keep garbage, refuse, or other waste in approved containers in order to prevent pest infestations.
(** Codified Ordinance 203.07)
Unsanitary Conditions:
CDPH Division of Environmental Health considers conditions unsanitary when odors caused by a pet owner’s animal are a menace to the health, comfort, or safety to any other member of the general public.
(** Codified Ordinance 205.02)