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Iowa City, IA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

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

Key Facts

Federal Hook
40 CFR Part 745 (EPA RRP)
State Hook
Iowa Code Section 135.100+
Local Hook
Title 17 Ch. 5 Housing Code
Pre-1978 Trigger
Housing built before 1978
Owner Rehab Loan
Up to $24,999 (CDBG)
Housing Inspection
319-356-5120

Summary

Lead paint in pre-1978 Iowa City housing is governed by the Iowa Lead-Based Paint Act at Iowa Code Section 135.100 et seq., the federal EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, and Iowa City's Housing Code under Title 17 Chapter 5. Renovators disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities must be EPA RRP-certified and follow lead-safe work practices. Iowa City offers homeowner rehabilitation assistance through CDBG-funded programs (up to $24,999 forgivable loan) that can address lead hazards in qualifying homes.

Model regulations for lead hazard remediation to be used in instances in which a child is confirmed as lead poisoned. The department shall make the model regulations available to local boards of health and shall promote the adoption of the regulations at the local level, in cities and counties implementing lead hazard remediation programs.

Full Breakdown

Lead-based paint hazards in Iowa City run through three overlapping frameworks. Federal law at 40 CFR Part 745 (the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule) requires that any renovation disturbing more than six square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces in housing built before 1978 or in a child-occupied facility be performed by an EPA-certified firm using EPA-certified renovators following lead-safe work practices. gov/licenses/building/lead/lead-safe-renovation-and-prerenovation-notification. pdf) adds Iowa-specific certification requirements for lead inspectors, risk assessors, lead abatement contractors, and elevated-blood-lead-level case management through Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, with implementing rules at IAC 481 Ch.

pdf) and 641 Ch. pdf). org/government/departments-and-divisions/neighborhood-and-development-services/neighborhood-services/housing-inspection-services) enforces the Iowa City Housing Code under Title 17 Chapter 5, which addresses deteriorated paint as a habitability issue in rental units. org/residents/assistance-programs/resources-for-homeowners) provides up to $24,999 in 0% interest, 10-year forgivable loan funding via CDBG to qualified low-income owner-occupants for rehabilitation work, which can include lead hazard reduction. ' Iowa City Housing Inspection: 319-356-5120.

Violations & Fines

Performing renovation, repair, or painting in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities without EPA RRP firm and renovator certification violates 40 CFR Part 745 and the Iowa Lead-Based Paint Act, enforceable by EPA and Iowa DIAL with civil penalties up to $40,000+ per violation per day. Failing to provide the federally required lead disclosure to a tenant or buyer of pre-1978 housing violates 24 CFR Part 35 and exposes the seller or landlord to triple-damage civil liability. Performing lead abatement without an Iowa-certified contractor is enforceable by Iowa DIAL. Iowa City Housing Inspection can cite deteriorated paint as a Title 17 Chapter 5 habitability violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Iowa City contractor need to be lead-certified?
Yes if your home was built before 1978. Federal EPA RRP rule at 40 CFR Part 745 and the Iowa Lead-Based Paint Act at Iowa Code Section 135.100 et seq. require that anyone performing renovation, repair, or painting work disturbing more than six square feet interior or 20 square feet exterior of painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing or in a child-occupied facility be an EPA-certified firm with EPA-certified renovators using lead-safe work practices. Iowa DIAL administers certification at https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/building/lead.
Can I get help with lead hazards in my Iowa City home?
Possibly. Iowa City's Homeowner Rehabilitation Program provides up to $24,999 in 0% interest, 10-year forgivable loan funding via CDBG to qualified low-income owner-occupants for rehabilitation work that can include lead hazard reduction. Eligibility requires income below 50% of area median, net assets under $50,000, current mortgage payments, and an owner-occupied single-family unit. Apply through https://www.icgov.org/residents/assistance-programs/resources-for-homeowners or call 319-356-5230.

Sources & Official References

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