Boone County Nuisances

The City of Columbia is committed to providing public health services that prevent epidemics and the spread of disease, protect against environmental hazards, promote healthy behaviors, prevent injuries and illness, assure the quality and accessibility of health services, monitor the health of the population, provide social services and promote and protect civil rights.

Boone County Nuisances

City Public Health Nuisances

In July of 2005, the Boone County Commission signed into law a Code of Health Regulations. The purpose of these regulations is to create and maintain a cleaner, healthier community by eliminating health hazards and nuisances. These ordinances allow for the protection and promotion of public health and safety while preventing communicable disease into Boone County.

County Nuisance Ordinance

The following conditions are considered nuisances:

Solid Waste Storage

Prohibits trash, garbage, derelict appliances, broken furniture, etc. except for temporary storage of such items in closed containers for a time period of less than 14 days

Rat Harborage

Prohibits keeping refuse in a condition that is conducive to rat infestation

Growth of Weeds Over 12” High

Applies only to properties that are zoned for residential use
Does not apply to properties that are zoned for agricultural uses under the zoning regulations of Boone County

Onsite Sewage

Prohibits the chronic discharge of sewage effluent above ground and the discharge of wastewater off of the property

Vehicle Nuisance

Prohibits derelict vehicles on the premises

What is the process to get nuisances corrected?

A phone call to the Health Department with the location of the violation will begin the investigation process
The complainant may remain anonymous
If a nuisance condition is determined to exist, a notice of violation will be sent via certified mail to the property owner, occupant, and any other party with an interest in the property
From the date of notification, a 15 day time period is given to correct the nuisance condition
If the nuisance condition remains on the property after reinspection, the County Commission may hold a public hearing to determine of a nuisance condition exists on the property
If the Commission finds that a nuisance condition exists on the property, an order for abatement will be issued
If the County abates the nuisance, the costs associated with the abatement will be tax billed to the property
The parties involved also may be prosecuted in Circuit Court

Return to the Environmental Health Division Homepage or return to the Columbia/Boone County Health Department Homepage