Syracuse, NY Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Rev. Gen. Ord. Chapter 54
- Effective
- October 1, 2020
- Presumption cutoff
- Built before Jan 1, 1978
- Enforcer
- Division of Code Enforcement
- Floor dust-lead limit
- 10 µg/ft²
Summary
Syracuse presumes all paint in residential buildings built before January 1, 1978 is lead-based and requires those properties be kept free of deteriorated paint. Code Enforcement checks for deteriorated paint and bare soil during every rental registry and complaint inspection.
The interior and exterior of any residential building on which the original construction was completed prior to January 1, 1978... shall be maintained in a condition such that the paint thereon does not become deteriorated paint, unless the deteriorated paint surfaces total no more than: (1) Twenty square feet on exterior surfaces; (2) Two square feet in any one interior room or space; or (3) Ten percent of the total surface area on an interior or exterior type of component with a small surface area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 54, the Lead Abatement and Control Ordinance (effective October 1, 2020), every pre-1978 residential building's paint is presumed lead-based and must be maintained so paint does not deteriorate beyond 20 square feet outside, 2 square feet in any one interior room, or 10% of a small component. The Division of Code Enforcement inspects for deteriorated paint and bare soil during rental registry certificate, certificate-of-compliance, and complaint inspections. In the designated high-risk area, owners of buildings with five or fewer units must obtain certified dust-wipe clearance within 60 days when no interior paint violation is found.
Violations & Fines
Deteriorated paint beyond the thresholds is cited as a violation; clearing it requires a certified lead inspector or risk assessor confirming abatement or interim controls and passing a dust-wipe clearance exam. Missing dust samples draw a separate dust-sample violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Syracuse homes are covered by the lead ordinance?
When does the city inspect for lead paint?
What triggers dust-wipe testing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Syracuse
New York rules heatmap·Compare Syracuse to another location·View the New York building safety overview
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