What Are “Insanitary Living Conditions”?

For our purposes, insanitary means conditions that can spread germs that cause illness.

These conditions can spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other illnesses.

How we can help

People have a right to their belongings. Having a lot of clothing, books, or personal items (“clutter” or hoarding) is not by itself a health code violation.

The Health Department becomes involved when conditions in a home can spread disease, especially through:

• Food waste
• Human or animal fecal material
• Sewage back-ups 
• Total lack of ability to remove waste in a sanitary manner

When the Health Department Gets Involved

The Health Department may respond when:

• There are reports of fecal material in living areas
• There is significant food waste or rotting garbage inside the home
• Conditions appear to create a clear risk of spreading disease

Other problems in the home (pests, clutter, structural or fire issues) may be handled by other City departments or agencies.

Our Goal

Our role is not to judge how much “stuff” someone owns. Our role is to:

• Protect residents from conditions that spread disease

Work with occupants, property owners, and partner agencies to:

• Remove fecal contamination
• Remove rotting food and waste
• Restore a basic, sanitary living environment