Any building, structure or premises which is permitted to become a breeding place for rats or other vermin or which is permitted to remain in an unclean or insanitary condition so as to be prejudicial or dangerous to public health is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and subject to abatement as such. Any person owning, occupying or in control of such building, structure or premises shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. (1978 Code § 4-1-3)