Pre-1978 homes in unincorporated Orange County must comply with federal lead disclosure for sales and rentals, and renovations disturbing painted surfaces require EPA-certified RRP contractors under California Department of Public Health oversight.
Federal Title X requires sellers and landlords of housing built before 1978 to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide the EPA pamphlet. The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule, enforced by California DPH, requires certified contractors using lead-safe practices on any project disturbing more than six square feet interior or twenty square feet exterior of pre-1978 paint. OC HCA Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program investigates elevated blood lead cases and may inspect properties. OC Building Officials enforce abatement orders when hazards are confirmed. Records of lead-safe work must be retained three years.
EPA-RRP violations can bring federal penalties up to thirty-seven thousand dollars per day; disclosure failures expose sellers to triple damages.
See how other cities in Orange County handle lead paint.
See how Costa Mesa's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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