American Samoa § 13.0224 - Public health nuisances.
Full text of American Samoa American Samoa Code Annotated § 13.0224 — Public health nuisances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13.0224. Public health nuisances.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to create, aggravate, or allow the existence of a public health nuisance. (b) The department may immediately and thoroughly investigate any suspected public health nuisance upon receiving a complaint of its existence or when there is probable cause to believe that nuisance exists within the Territory. (c) The department may issue an order to avoid, correct, or remove, at the owner’s expense, any property or condition that the department determines to be a nuisance. (1) The order shall specify the nature of the nuisance and the method(s) to abate the nuisance, including: (A) To close, direct, and compel the evacuation of, or decontaminate or cause to be decontaminated any real property, building or structure as needed; or (B) To decontaminate or cause to be decontaminated, or destroy, any material, goods, or conditions. (2) The order shall designate a reasonable time in which the nuisance must be abated. (3) If a property owner or occupant does not comply with the order within the specified time, the department may cause the nuisance to be removed or abated at the owner or occupant’s expense. (4) Whenever the removal or abatement of a nuisance requires immediate action by the department, the department may pay the cost of removal or abatement and seek reimbursement for expenses from the responsible persons. (5) If the person responsible for a nuisance refuses to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by the department, expenses may be: (A) Assessed against affected real property, building or structure as a lien; (B) Collected from rents paid on the real property, building or structure, pursuant to a Court order obtained by the department; or (C) Collected in the same manner as personal taxes assessed by the Territory. (6) An occupant or other person who caused or permitted a nuisance to exist is liable to the owner of the premises for the amount paid by the owner or assessed against the property, building or structure.
Source: official American Samoa text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About American Samoa § 13.0224
What does American Samoa Code Annotated § 13.0224 cover?
Section 13.0224 ("Public health nuisances.") is part of the American Samoa Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of American Samoa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite American Samoa § 13.0224?
A common citation format is "American Samoa Code Annotated § 13.0224" (American Samoa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of American Samoa law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the American Samoa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed American Samoa attorney.
How does American Samoa § 13.0224 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in American Samoa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in American Samoa.