Charlotte, NC Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Federal law (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, 42 U.S.C. 4851-4856) and EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 745) require all sellers and landlords of pre-1978 housing in Charlotte to disclose known lead-based paint and hazards, provide the EPA pamphlet, and allow buyers a 10-day inspection period (waivable). North Carolina supplements federal requirements through its childhood lead poisoning prevention program under NC General Statutes Chapter 130A, Article 5. The Mecklenburg County Health Department conducts lead poisoning surveillance and responds to elevated blood lead level cases in children. When a child is identified with elevated blood lead levels, the health department may conduct a housing inspection to identify lead hazards and order remediation. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) administers the state's lead hazard management program. Renovation, repair, and painting activities disturbing lead paint in pre-1978 housing must be performed by EPA-certified renovators under the RRP Rule (40 CFR 745 Subpart E). Charlotte's housing code (enforced by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement) requires habitable structures to be maintained in safe condition, including addressing deteriorated paint surfaces in pre-1978 buildings. Charlotte does not have a local lead paint ordinance beyond federal and state requirements.