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Indianapolis, IN Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rule
No lead-based paint application allowed
Enforcing agency
Dept. of Business & Neighborhood Services
Scope
Vacant structures, countywide
Distinct from
Federal EPA RRP contractor rule

Summary

Marion County's exterior maintenance code flatly bars applying lead-based paint to any structure, part of a structure, or accessory structure on the premises, tied to vacant-building upkeep duties.

(25)No person shall apply a lead-based paint to any surface of a building or part thereof or to any other structure located on the premises.(26)Every owner shall maintain in good repair all asbestos-containing materials on the premises. All asbestos-containing materials shall remain free from defects such as holes, cracks, tears and/or looseness that may allow the release of asbestos fibers into the environment. (G.O. 135, 1991, § 1)

Secs. 537-32—537-40. - Reserved.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 537's exterior maintenance standards, which apply countywide to vacant structures under Sec. 537-5, flatly prohibit applying lead-based paint to any building surface or other structure on the premises. This standing no-application ban is enforced through the same repair-order process as the chapter's other maintenance duties. It is distinct from the separate federal EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E), which governs contractor work practices on pre-1978 housing rather than banning application outright.

Violations & Fines

Applying lead-based paint triggers Chapter 537's standard repair-order process under IC 36-7-9; unresolved violations can bring civil penalties certified as a lien on the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this ban cover any modern paint?
No: it only bars paint exceeding the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's 'safe' lead level, as defined in Sec. 537-1.
Is this the same as the federal lead-paint renovation rule?
No: it's a separate standing local ban on applying lead-based paint, distinct from the EPA's RRP work-practice rule for contractors.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Indianapolis

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All Indianapolis rules

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