Pima County, AZ Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Federal Rule
- EPA RRP (40 CFR 745)
- Pre-1978 Threshold
- Disclosure required
- Disturbance Limit
- 6 sq ft interior / 20 sq ft exterior
- State Agency
- ADHS lead prevention
- Max Fine
- $37,500/day (EPA)
Summary
Lead paint in Pima County is regulated under federal EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR 745) and Arizona Department of Health Services oversight. Properties built before 1978 require lead disclosure at sale or lease. Renovation work disturbing lead paint must be performed by EPA-certified firms.
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).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Federal law governs lead paint in Pima County, as Arizona has not adopted a more restrictive state program. The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule (40 CFR Part 745) requires that renovations disturbing more than 6 square feet of interior painted surfaces or 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing be performed by EPA-certified renovation firms using lead-safe work practices. Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) maintains a lead poisoning prevention program and tracks elevated blood lead levels in children. Federal disclosure requirements under 42 USC 4852d mandate that sellers and landlords of pre-1978 housing provide the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, disclose known lead hazards, and allow 10-day inspection periods for buyers.
Pima County has older housing stock in areas like Tucson foothills, Three Points, and historic mining communities where lead paint is more prevalent. Demolition of pre-1978 structures in unincorporated Pima County must address lead paint as part of the Pima County Development Services demolition permit process. Child-occupied facilities (schools, daycares) in pre-1978 buildings are subject to enhanced federal requirements.
Violations & Fines
EPA RRP violations: fines up to $37,500 per day per violation. Failure to disclose: buyer can sue for treble damages. ADHS reports elevated blood lead levels to EPA for investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lead paint disclosure when selling a pre-1978 home in Pima County?
Who can do renovation work involving lead paint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona building safety overview
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