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Sunnyvale, CA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

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

Key Facts

Federal Rule
EPA RRP 40 CFR 745
Trigger
Over 6 sq ft interior
State Law
H and S Code 17920.10
Seller Disclosure
Required pre-1978
Certification
EPA and CDPH

Summary

Sunnyvale follows federal EPA RRP Rule and California Title 17 for lead-safe work practices on pre-1978 homes. Contractors must be lead-certified for disturbances over 6 square feet interior.

Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule 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). Contractors In general, anyone paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified in lead-safe work practices. This includes all firms, even sole proprietorships. Homeowners If you are planning an RRP project in a pre-1978 home, EPA recommends that homeowners hire a lead-safe certified contractor who is certified and trained in lead-safe work practices. Do-It-Yourselfers Generally speaking, the RRP Rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own pre-1978 home. 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).

Source: EPA RRP RuleView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule (40 CFR 745) requires certified firms and trained workers for renovation of pre-1978 residences and child-occupied facilities that disturb more than 6 square feet of paint per interior room, 20 square feet exterior, or window replacement. California Health and Safety Code 17920.10 classifies lead hazards as substandard housing conditions subject to enforcement by local building officials. California Department of Public Health under Title 17 CCR 35001 and following regulates lead abatement and inspection. Sellers of pre-1978 homes in Sunnyvale must provide the federal EPA Protect Your Family From Lead pamphlet and Lead Disclosure under 42 USC 4852d. Tenant disclosure is also required at lease signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Sunnyvale house is from 1960. Can I repaint myself?
You can do your own work on your owner-occupied home, but if you rent it out or have a child under 6 or pregnant resident, lead-safe work practices under the RRP rule apply.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sunnyvale

All Sunnyvale rules

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