Public Health Nuisance

Minnesota statutes state that a public health nuisance is 'any activity or failure to act that adversely affects the public.' Sherburne County Health and Human Services investigates all complaints and takes appropriate action to remove the nuisance, when necessary.

Citations

Examples that could result in a public health nuisance citation are:

  • Improperly stored solid waste, such as rotting garbage or dead animals
  • Insect or rodent infestations
  • Evidence of a meth lab or other clandestine drug manufacturing
  • Unsafe living situations (lack of sewage disposal or garbage house) that affect children and vulnerable adults

Report

If you wish to report a public health nuisance, please call Sherburne County Health and Human Services at 763-765-4000 or Sherburne County Planning and Zoning at 763-765-4450.

Please note: clutter or general poor housekeeping is not considered a public health nuisance. Accumulations of clothing, household goods, magazines or other examples of hoarding behavior are not necessarily a public health nuisance.

Difference Between Public Health Nuisance & Public Nuisance

A public health nuisance is generally related to conditions that may affect one's health or cause a disease, whereas public nuisances tend to be non-health related conditions.

Examples of public nuisances include:

  • An abandoned well
  • Animal control issues
  • Excessive noise
  • Junked / abandoned cars
  • Long grass

If you wish to report a public nuisance, please call your local municipality.

  • If you live in the city of St Cloud, please call 320-255-7214
  • If you live in the city of Elk River, please call 763-635-1000