Palo Alto, CA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Pre-1978 homes
- Disclosure required
- Federal rule
- EPA RRP certification
- State rule
- H and S 17920.10
- Abatement trigger
- Deteriorated paint
- Disclosure
- 42 USC 4852d
Summary
Pre-1978 homes in Palo Alto must comply with federal RRP rules and California H and S Code 17920.10, which treats defective lead paint as a substandard housing condition.
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).
Full Breakdown
Most homes built in Palo Alto before 1978 contain lead-based paint. Federal EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting rules require that contractors performing more than 6 square feet of interior or 20 square feet of exterior disturbance be EPA Lead-Safe Certified and use lead-safe work practices. California Health and Safety Code 17920.10 declares deteriorated lead paint and lead-contaminated dust and soil to be substandard housing conditions enforceable by the local building and code enforcement agency. The Palo Alto Public Works and Code Enforcement teams can order abatement of peeling paint, chipping surfaces, and contaminated soil at rental properties in particular. Federal disclosure under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (42 USC 4852d) requires sellers and landlords of pre-1978 housing to deliver the EPA pamphlet and known lead information. Contact 650-329-2100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a certified contractor?
Can my landlord ignore peeling paint?
Sources & Official References
- [1]EPA RRP
- [2]H and S 17920.10
Other rules in Palo Alto
California rules heatmap·Compare Palo Alto to another location·View the California building safety overview
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Lead Paint in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle lead paint.