Ann Arbor, MI Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Lead paint prohibited in dwellings
- Citation
- Ann Arbor City Code § 8:509(10)(a)
- Exterior trigger
- 15%+ peeling triggers a citation
- Enforced by
- Building Official under Chapter 105
- Penalty
- $200-$1,000 civil fine per violation
Summary
Ann Arbor's Housing Code flatly bans lead paint in dwellings and cites peeling interior paint in food-prep or living areas, or 15%-plus peeling exterior paint, as a code violation.
Peeling paint shall be cited under general repair requirements as follows: (a) Interior: In food preparation areas and/or eating areas. In other areas within the dwelling/unit where the deterioration is continuous and there is evidence of flaking or falling paint. Lead paint is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 8:509(10)(a) of the Ann Arbor City Code, peeling interior paint is cited whenever deterioration is continuous with flaking or falling paint in a dwelling, and the section states outright that lead paint is prohibited. Exterior paint is cited once roughly 15% or more of painted surfaces are peeling or need repainting, or wherever rotting wood shows through failed paint. The Building Official enforces this as part of the Chapter 105 general repair requirements, ordering correction within a set deadline and reinspecting before the rental's certificate of compliance is restored.
Violations & Fines
Cited as a general-repair violation under Section 8:519; civil infractions run $200-$1,000 per day the hazard goes uncorrected, and the certificate of compliance can be suspended until repainted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ann Arbor require lead testing before a violation is cited?
Does the lead paint ban apply to owner-occupied houses in Ann Arbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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