Springfield, MO Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum fine
- $100 plus court costs
- Enforcement
- City manager orders testing, abatement
- Test methods
- Atomic absorption or X-ray fluorescence
- Covers
- Dwellings, day care facilities, schools
Summary
Springfield bans lead-bearing substances on exposed interior and exterior surfaces citywide and lets the city manager order testing, abatement or removal of lead hazards in dwellings, day care facilities and schools under City Code Article IV.
The provisions of this article are designed to prevent and control lead poisoning problems within the city by establishing limits of exposure to lead-bearing substances on exposed surfaces to which children may be commonly exposed... No person shall cause, maintain or permit on public or private property, or on premises owned or controlled by such person, a lead hazard as defined by the laws of this state or this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Article IV of Chapter 74 (Sec. 74-171–74-182) prohibits causing or maintaining a lead hazard on any public or private property and bars applying lead-bearing substances to any exposed interior or exterior surface, fixture, or piece of furniture, toys or playground equipment a child could reach. The city manager inspects, tests surfaces by atomic absorption or X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry, and can order removal, encapsulation or permanent covering of contaminated surfaces. A narrow exemption exists for areas children cannot access unsupervised. Violations carry a mandatory minimum $100 fine plus court costs, and Springfield can revoke occupancy permits or utilities for noncompliance.
Violations & Fines
Applying lead-bearing paint to an exposed surface, failing to abate a designated lead hazard, or manufacturing/selling lead-contaminated fixtures, toys or playground equipment violates Article IV and carries a minimum $100 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springfield regulate lead paint in older homes?
What's the penalty for a lead hazard violation in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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