Lead paint regulations apply to pre-1978 housing in Allegheny County under federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X), EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, and PA Lead Certification Act (35 P.S. ยง5901). Allegheny County Health Department investigates childhood lead poisoning cases. Landlords must provide EPA lead hazard pamphlet and known-hazard disclosure.
Federal law requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing sales/leases (24 CFR Part 35). EPA RRP Rule requires EPA-certified renovators for work disturbing 6+ sq ft interior or 20+ sq ft exterior painted surfaces. PA Lead Certification Act requires PA DOH certification for lead abatement contractors and risk assessors. ACHD conducts lead investigations when children under 6 show elevated blood lead levels (5+ ฮผg/dL); property owners must remediate identified hazards under Allegheny County Code. Pittsburgh requires proactive lead inspections in some rental properties under Chapter 770 (Proactive Rental Inspection). Rental units with peeling paint in pre-1978 housing may be declared unfit.
Federal disclosure violations: up to $16,000 per violation plus treble damages. RRP violations: up to $44,539 per violation. PA certification violations: up to $2,500 first, $5,000 subsequent. ACHD abatement orders carry additional penalties.
See how Allegheny County's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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