Independence, MO Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger standard
- exceeds 24 CFR 38 / 40 CFR 745 limits
- Required remedy
- remove or cover surface
- Covered surfaces
- must be marked with warning
- Covers
- dwellings and child/day care facilities
Summary
Independence's Property Maintenance Code mandates removing or covering any painted surface on a dwelling, fence, outbuilding, or child/day care facility that exceeds federal lead limits, with warning labels required on covered surfaces.
Interior and exterior painted surfaces of dwellings and child and day care facilities, including fences and outbuildings, which contain lead in excess of the Federal guidelines as stated in the Federal Register: 24 CFR Part 38 and 40 CFR Part 745 shall be removed or covered in an approved manner. Any surface to be covered shall first be marked with warnings as to the lead content of such surface.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
The interior-maintenance provisions of the Property Maintenance Code single out lead paint for mandatory remediation: any interior or exterior painted surface on a dwelling or a child or day care facility, including its fences and outbuildings, that tests above the federal lead thresholds set in 24 CFR Part 38 and 40 CFR Part 745 must be removed or covered in an approved manner. Covering isn't a free pass; the surface has to be marked first with warnings disclosing its lead content, so the hazard stays flagged even after it's sealed over. This sits alongside the general interior-maintenance duties requiring structural members, paint, and plaster to be kept in sanitary, non-deteriorated condition.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $150 for a first conviction, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third or subsequent conviction under § 109.4.1(C), with each day the hazard remains uncorrected charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my house's paint tests above the federal lead limit in Independence?
Does this lead paint rule apply to daycare buildings too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
Compare Independence to another location·View the Missouri building safety overview
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Lead Paint in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle lead paint.