Hennepin County, MN Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Minn. Stat. 144.9501
- Cutoff year
- Pre-1978 housing
- Authority
- Hennepin Co Public Health
- Grant program
- Lead Hazard Reduction
Summary
Hennepin County enforces Minnesota Statutes 144.9501 to 144.9512 governing lead hazards in pre-1978 housing. Hennepin County Public Health performs lead inspections, mandates abatement, and runs grant programs for low-income owners and renters.
"Lead hazard" means a condition that causes exposure to lead from dust, bare soil, drinking water, or deteriorated paint that exceeds the standards adopted under section 144.9508.
§
Subd. 16.
[Repealed, 1998 c 407 art 2 s 109]
§
Subd. 17.Lead hazard reduction.
(a) "Lead hazard reduction" means abatement, swab team services, or interim controls undertaken to make a residence, child care facility, school, playground, or other location where lead hazards are identified lead-safe by complying with the lead standards and methods adopted under section 144.9508.
(b) Lead hazard reduction does not include renovation activity that is primarily intended to remodel, repair, or restore a given structure or dwelling rather than abate or control lead-based paint hazards.
Full Breakdown
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144.9501 require lead-paint disclosure and abatement protocols for housing built before 1978. Hennepin County Public Health is the designated lead authority, responding to elevated blood lead reports from clinics and HCMC, conducting environmental lead investigations in homes and child-care centers, and ordering hazard reduction by property owners. Renovation, repair, and painting work disturbing more than six square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior lead paint must be performed by an EPA RRP-certified contractor. The Minneapolis Lead Hazard Control program and county Lead Hazard Reduction grants help low-income residents pay for abatement.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply with a Hennepin County abatement order, hiring uncertified RRP contractors, or skipping lead disclosure on a sale or lease can result in MDH fines exceeding 10,000 dollars and federal HUD penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hennepin County test homes for lead?
Are landlords required to disclose lead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hennepin County
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