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Chesapeake, VA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Trigger Year
Pre-1978 housing
RRP
EPA certification
Thresholds
6 sq ft interior / 20 exterior
Disclosure
42 USC §4852d
State Program
VDH lead screening

Summary

Chesapeake follows EPA RRP and Virginia DPOR lead rules for pre-1978 housing. Contractors disturbing painted surfaces must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified. Landlords must provide lead disclosure under federal law.

EPA's RRP Rule requires that anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 be certified and their employees be trained (either as a certified renovator or on-the-job by a certified renovator) in the use of lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants' exposure to lead hazards. In general, the RRP Rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own pre-1978 homes. However, it does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a childcare center in your home or if you buy, renovate and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house flipper). EPA administers the RRP Program in most Tribes, states and territories, but has authorized the following to operate their own programs: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe-Boise Forte (Nette Lake).

Full Breakdown

Homes built before 1978 in Chesapeake are presumed to contain lead-based paint. Renovations disturbing more than 6 square feet interior or 20 square feet exterior require EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule compliance, performed by firms certified by EPA and individual renovators trained under DPOR-approved courses. Sellers and landlords must deliver the EPA Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home pamphlet and a lead disclosure under 42 USC §4852d. Virginia Department of Health runs the childhood lead screening program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I DIY repaint my 1960s Chesapeake home?
Homeowners may work on their own home, but disturbing lead paint requires care and waste handling.
Who enforces RRP?
EPA Region 3 and Virginia DPOR share enforcement authority.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chesapeake

All Chesapeake rules

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