Title
Ordinance amending Chapter 94 of the Lake County Code of Ordinances - Public Nuisances.
Staff Summary
• There are several pests that present a public health nuisance where an infestation occurs, but which are not definitively known to transmit communicable disease.
o A prime example is bedbugs, which are most certainly a public nuisance, but which have not been proven to transmit disease (though it is suspected). Other examples are fruit flies and sewer files.
o The proposed change to § 94.08 would provide the Lake County Health Department the authority to pursue correction of infestations of these pests through the administrative adjudication process, if voluntary compliance is not achieved.
• There are often conditions of which the Lake County Health Department is made aware that are unhealthy and/or unsafe at facilities where the Department does not have direct regulatory authority.
o Examples are unpermitted facilities such as health clubs or other public buildings, but also in rental properties, that do not rise to the level of rendering the space uninhabitable [§ 94.06 (B)].
o The addition of § 94.14 would provide the Lake County Health Department the authority to pursue correction of these unhealthy and/or unsafe conditions, through the administrative adjudication process, if voluntary compliance is not achieved.
o Staff works very hard to achieve corrections through voluntary compliance.
Body
ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board incorporated the Lake County Public Nuisance Ordinance into the Lake County Code of Ordinances at Chapter 94 on February 10, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Health Department is authorized to enforce specific sections of this Chapter: and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Health Department is proposing amendments to this Chapter, including the section that is proposed to be amended and a section to be added: and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments regarding pest or vermin infestations and the addition of language regarding actions detrimental to the public’s health and/or safety will enhance the Lake County Health Department’s efforts to mitigate hazards and protect the health and safety of the residents of Lake County; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board of Health has approved the proposed amendments to Chapter 94 on June 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board of Health has recommended that the proposed amendments to Chapter 94 be referred to the County Board for approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the amendments to Lake County Code of Ordinances Chapter 94 herewith be approved and made a matter of Lake County law.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the Lake County Clerk is hereby authorized to distribute certified copies of the amended Ordinance to the County Administrator, Comptroller, and the Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department.
DATED on this 23rd day of June, 2016.