The director of the department of public health, or his or her representative, shall inspect at frequent intervals and maintain strict surveillance over all existing business buildings for the purpose of determining any rat infestation. In the event any rat-infested business building is found to exist, the director or his or her representative shall notify immediately, in writing, the person in custody of such building to protect such building by rat stoppage, as herein provided, regardless of the need of the building for remodeling or repairs, and to take such measures as will make the building free from rats. The written notice shall specify the time, which shall in no event be less than 30 days from completion of such work and improvements. Failure to comply with such written notice within the time specified shall constitute a violation of this article.
(1964 Code, § 19-353)