San Diego, CA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies To
- Pre-1979 rental properties
- Trigger
- Unit vacancy
- Threshold
- 1,000 ppm or 0.5 mg/cm2
- Enforcer
- Environmental Services Dept.
Summary
San Diego's Lead Hazard Prevention and Control Ordinance requires owners of rental properties built before 1979 to perform lead hazard evaluations when units become vacant. All renovation work on pre-1978 structures must use lead-safe work practices. The ordinance is enforced by the Environmental Services Department.
The Lead Hazard Prevention and Control Ordinance was unanimously approved by City Council and signed into law by the Mayor on April 9, 2008. The ordinance was revised in 2025, and the effective start date for the ordinance was February 22, 2025. [...] Renovators are required to use lead-safe work practices when disturbing lead paint that contains lead concentrations equal or greater than 1000 ppm or 0.5 mg/cm2 on all pre-1978 buildings. When the work activities disturb or remove lead containing paint, a Lead Paint Activity Visual Inspection Form (ES-127) must be completed and remain available to City of San Diego for a period of three (3) years following the visual inspection date. [...] Property owners are required to correct lead hazards in pre-1978 buildings after notice of lead hazard. Property owners are required to perform visual inspection and correction of presumed lead hazards prior to re-occupancy of a vacant rental unit. [...] Childcare facilities are required to obtain proof of blood lead testing at enrollment.
Full Breakdown
The City of San Diego Lead Hazard Prevention and Control Ordinance was developed to eliminate lead hazards and prevent lead poisoning through lead-safe housing. Owners of rental properties built before January 1, 1979 must perform a lead hazard evaluation when a dwelling unit becomes vacant, using a certified lead inspector or risk assessor. If lead hazards are identified, the owner must complete lead hazard reduction activities before re-renting the unit. 5 mg/cm2 on pre-1979 structures must use lead-safe work practices regardless of whether compensation is involved.
This is stricter than the federal RRP Rule, which only applies to compensated work. The City's Environmental Services Department enforces the ordinance through the Lead Safety and Healthy Homes Program. California's Title 17 (California Code of Regulations) also requires CDPH-certified lead professionals. Federal EPA Section 402 certification is required for all renovation firms. Landlords must provide the EPA 'Protect Your Family' pamphlet and California DPH disclosure forms to tenants.
Violations & Fines
City ordinance violations: administrative citation, fines starting at $100 and escalating. Federal RRP violations: up to $37,500/day. Failure to disclose: treble damages in civil court.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a lead hazard evaluation required in San Diego?
Does San Diego's lead paint law apply to homeowners doing their own work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California building safety overview
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Lead Paint in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle lead paint.