Massachusetts Lead Law under MGL c.111 s.197A requires de-leading of pre-1978 homes when a child under 6 resides there, and Cambridge CEDO aggressively enforces compliance.
The Massachusetts Lead Law is among the strictest in the country. Under MGL c.111 sections 189A-199B, owners of pre-1978 residential properties where a child under 6 lives or will live must de-lead or bring the property into interim control. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to families with young children because of lead concerns. De-leading must be performed or supervised by a licensed deleader, and owners must obtain a Letter of Compliance or Letter of Interim Control. Cambridge has an active childhood lead poisoning prevention program through the Cambridge Public Health Department and CEDO, which inspects properties and enforces compliance. Civil penalties and treble damages apply for violations, and children poisoned by lead can recover damages from property owners.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces numerical decibel limits: 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at residential receptors, with a 5 dBA penalty for tonal or impulsive sounds.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge treats persistent barking as a noise violation under Chapter 8.16 and an animal nuisance under Chapter 6.04; owners of chronically barking dogs fac...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge banned gas-powered leaf blowers in 2024, requiring all landscapers and residents to switch to electric models, with time and decibel restrictions r...
Cambridge, MA
Outdoor music events in Cambridge require a one-day entertainment license from the License Commission, with end times typically capped at 10 PM on weeknights...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces strict industrial and commercial noise limits: 60 dB days and 50 dB nights at residential property lines, aligned with MassDEP Policy 90-001.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge reserves designated EV charging station spaces for actively charging electric vehicles only, and new large developments must provide EV-ready parki...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle lead paint.
See how Cambridge's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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