Des Moines enforces lead-safe practices in pre-1978 housing through Chapter 8 building rules, Chapter 60 nuisance enforcement, and federal EPA RRP rules, with Polk County Public Health managing childhood lead poisoning case investigations.
Most older Des Moines housing predates the 1978 federal lead paint ban, and the city actively addresses lead hazards through several layers. Under Municipal Code Chapter 8 and adopted property maintenance standards, deteriorated paint on regulated rental and target housing must be stabilized using lead-safe methods. Renovators disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing must follow the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule and use certified firms. Polk County Public Health investigates elevated blood lead cases in children and can order abatement. Iowa Code Chapter 135 backs licensure of inspectors and abatement contractors. Failure to follow lead-safe work practices can trigger orders, fines, and tenant relocation.
Performing renovations in pre-1978 housing without RRP certification, ignoring abatement orders, or failing to disclose known lead hazards in rentals leads to fines and possible federal referral.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no smoker-specific ordinance. Open burning is regulated under Chapter 70 (Fire Prevention) and Iowa Code 100B with cooking-fire exemptions. Io...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
See how Des Moines's lead paint rules stack up against other locations.
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