Rat Free Inspection for the Demolition of Structures

I plan to demolish a building or structure on my property. Do I need permission from the Nassau County Health Department?

The permit to demolish is generally issued by your local town, city, or village. As part of the process, you will need to coordinate with the Nassau County Department of Health for one or more inspections as described below. One of the certifications you need from the Health Department is a Certificate of Rodent Free Inspection.

Why is this necessary?

When they are disturbed, rats will travel up to a mile or more to find a new place to live. The demolition of a structure will displace the rat populations through actual physical destruction and through ground vibration. To prevent the dispersal of a rat population, which can cause problems for neighbors throughout your area, we need to see that your property is free of rats before you begin to demolish it. It is essential that this inspection be conducted before any significant disturbance occurs on the site. Failure to do so makes the inspection impossible and may result in delays and extra costs to you.

What happens if the Health Department finds evidence of rats?

If rats are found on site, you will be required to hire an exterminator and eliminate rat populations before demolition can begin. If the project is repeatedly delayed, and repeat inspections become necessary, you may be required to hire a professional exterminator, at your own expense, to certify to the Health Department that the property is free of rat infestation.

How long does it take?

You are required to give the Health Department 10 days notice of your intent to demolish. If arrangements can be made with you, the inspection will generally be conducted within these 10 days. From the date of issuance, the certificate is valid for 10 days, but can be extended in writing, by the Health Department, for a total of 20 days. After that, a re-inspection will be necessary. If rats are found, demolition must be put off until the property is certified free of rat activity by a licensed professional exterminator. If you want to be sure of the timing of your inspection and demolition, you can hire a professional exterminator to check the site in advance, and exterminate, if necessary. In all cases, the department will accept the certification of a licensed professional exterminator, in place of our inspection, and will issue a Certificate of Rodent Free Inspection. This certificate will be valid for the same 10 or 20 days from the date of the exterminators on site visit.

Is more information available?

For more information, please contact your local municipality:

Town of Hempstead - (516) 489-5000
Town of North Hempstead - (516) 627-0590
Town of Oyster Bay - (516) 624-6498
City of Glen Cove - (516) 676-2000
City of Long Beach - (516) 431-1000
Nassau County Village Officials Association - (516) 437-1455

If Nassau County property owners have additional questions or concerns about The Certificate of Rodent Free Inspection, they can call the NC Department of Health - Community Sanitation Program (516-227-9715).