Milwaukee Health Department enforces lead-safe rules for pre-1978 housing under Ch. 66, aligning with Wis. Admin Code DHS 163 and HFS 145. Property owners must disclose, abate identified hazards, and use certified contractors for renovation.
Milwaukee has one of Wisconsin's highest childhood lead poisoning rates, prompting strict enforcement of Ch. 66 housing rules and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Pre-1978 rentals must be registered, lead-safe certified after work, and free of chipping or peeling paint on friction surfaces. When a child tests at or above 3.5 ug/dL, the Health Department issues an inspection order; identified hazards must be abated by Wis. DHS-certified workers under DHS 163. Wis. HFS 145 governs reporting elevated blood lead, and Milwaukee Water Works manages the Lead Service Line Replacement program. EPA RRP rules apply to all renovation, repair, or painting in pre-1978 buildings.
Failure to abate after order: $500-$5,000 per day under Ch. 66. Uncertified renovator working on lead surfaces: federal EPA $40,000+ plus state DHS forfeiture up to $1,000.
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