Fremont, CA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- State standard
- HSC 17920.10 lead hazard definition
- Federal RRP rule
- 40 CFR 745 contractor requirements
- Pre-1978 housing
- Regulated target housing
- CDPH accreditation
- Required for inspectors/abaters
- Disclosure
- Federal Lead Disclosure Rule
Summary
Fremont enforces California Health and Safety Code 17920.10 lead hazard standards and federal EPA RRP Rule for pre-1978 homes, with CDPH accreditation for inspectors.
Health and Safety Code - HSC, Section 17920.10.
(a) Any building or portion thereof including any dwelling unit, guestroom, or suite of rooms, or portion thereof, or the premises on which it is located, is deemed to be in violation of this part as to any portion that contains lead hazards. For purposes of this part, "lead hazards" means deteriorated lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, or disturbing lead-based paint without containment, if one or more of these hazards are present in one or more locations in amounts that are equal to or exceed the amounts of lead established for these terms in Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 35001) of Division 1 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations or by this section and that are likely to endanger the health of the public or the occupants thereof as a result of their proximity to the public or the occupants thereof.
(c) In the absence of new regulations adopted by the State Department of Health Services in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act defining the term "disturbing lead-based paint without containment" or modifying the term "deteriorated lead-based paint," for purposes of this part "disturbing lead-based paint without containment" and "deteriorated lead-based paint" shall be considered lead hazards as described in subdivision (a) only if the aggregate affected area is equal to or in excess of one of the following:
(1) Two square feet in any one interior room or space.
(2) Twenty square feet on exterior surfaces.
(3) Ten percent of the surface area on the interior or exterior type of component with a small surface area. Examples include window sills, baseboards, and trim.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), "disturbing lead-based paint without containment" and "deteriorated lead-based paint" shall be considered lead hazards, for purposes of this part, if it is determined that an area smaller than those specified in subdivision (c) is associated with a person with a blood lead level equal to or greater than 10 micrograms per deciliter.
Full Breakdown
Fremont follows California Health and Safety Code section 17920.10 which defines lead-based paint hazards as any condition that causes exposure to lead from deteriorated lead-based paint, dust, or soil that would result in adverse human health effects. Any such condition in a residence built before 1978 is a substandard housing condition enforceable by code compliance. Federal 40 CFR Part 745 (the EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting or RRP Rule) requires contractors working in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities to be EPA-certified and follow lead-safe work practices including plastic containment, HEPA vacuuming, and wet cleaning. California requires CDPH accreditation under Title 17 CCR for lead inspectors, risk assessors, project monitors, and abatement workers. Federal Lead Disclosure Rule requires sellers and landlords to disclose known lead hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint my own pre-1978 house?
Is a lead clearance required after abatement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fremont
California rules heatmap·Compare Fremont to another location·View the California building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Lead Paint in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle lead paint.