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Bethlehem, PA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Hazard threshold: 0.5% by weight or 1.0 mg/cm2 (XRF)
Emergency abatement deadline: 3 days
Full abatement deadline: 14 days after plan approval
Max penalty: $600 fine or 90 days, per day
Enforcing agency: Bureau of Health
Retaliatory eviction: Prohibited during hazard order

Summary

Bethlehem's Article 1167 Lead Poison Control ordinance lets the Bureau of Health inspect any dwelling for lead hazards, order abatement on a strict timeline and post a health-hazard notice on the property. Owners who fail to comply face fines up to $600 per day and cannot evict tenants to dodge the corrective order.

Any lead source which contains an amount of lead equal to or greater than 0.5% by weight or 1.0 mg/cm2, as measured by an x-ray fluorescence analyzer, shall be considered a health hazard to children under six (6) years of age, pregnant women, or other persons who have demonstrated an evidence of lead poisoning... ... Any person violating any provision of this Article shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than $600.00 or imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days or both. Each day that a violation is continued shall constitute a separate offense.

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Full Breakdown

03). 02). 04). 06). 07). 09).

Violations & Fines

Any person violating Article 1167 is subject upon conviction to a fine of not more than $600 or imprisonment for not more than ninety days, or both, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense (1167.99, Ord. 3554, passed 6/1/93). The City may also pursue injunctive relief, make the corrections itself through municipal personnel or an independent contractor, and bill and lien the owner for the cost under 1167.09.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lead level triggers a health hazard finding in Bethlehem?

Article 1167.03 sets the threshold at a lead source equal to or greater than 0.5 percent by weight or 1.0 mg/cm2 as measured by an x-ray fluorescence analyzer, found on an exposed, flaking or chewable surface, or in dust, soil or water.

How fast must a Bethlehem landlord fix a lead hazard?

Under 1167.06, the owner submits an abatement plan within seven days of the order, and once the plan is approved must complete abatement within fourteen days; if an emergency exists or someone is hospitalized, temporary abatement is required within three days.

Can a landlord evict a tenant to avoid lead abatement?

No. Article 1167.07 bars an owner or operator found in violation from evicting occupants to avoid corrective measures, and a unit vacated under a hazard notice cannot be re-let until the notice is complied with.

What is the penalty for violating Bethlehem's lead ordinance?

Article 1167.99 sets a fine of not more than $600 or imprisonment of not more than ninety days, or both, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

[1]Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem, Article 1167

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