Lead Paint: Berkeley vs Sunol
How do lead paint rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Sunol, CA?
Berkeley and Sunol have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley enforces California H&S 17920.10 treating lead hazards in pre-1978 housing as substandard conditions, plus EPA RRP and Cal-OSHA rules for renovation work.
View full Berkeley rules →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
Alameda County enforces California H&S Code 17920.10 treating deteriorated lead paint in pre-1978 housing as substandard. Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda have old housing stocks with strict abatement rules.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| State Code | H&S 17920.10 substandard condition | - |
| RRP Threshold | 6 sq ft interior, 20 sq ft exterior | - |
| Certification | EPA RRP firm required | - |
| Disclosure | Federal lead pamphlet to buyers/tenants | Required before sale or lease |
| Contact | Berkeley Public Health (510) 981-5300 | - |
| State authority | - | H&S Code 17920.10 |
| Pre-1978 housing | - | Presumed to contain lead paint |
| Contractor requirement | - | EPA RRP certification |
| Child screening | - | Required under age 6 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Do I need a certified contractor to paint my 1920s Berkeley home?
If the work disturbs more than 6 sq ft of painted surface, yes, you need an EPA-certified RRP firm.
Must landlords disclose lead paint?
Yes. Federal law requires the Protect Your Family From Lead pamphlet and written disclosure for all pre-1978 rentals.
Sunol FAQ
Is my Oakland Victorian required to be lead-free?
Not lead-free, but deteriorated lead paint is a code violation. Intact painted surfaces are generally allowed, but peeling, chipping, or chalking paint must be addressed using lead-safe practices.
Can I DIY renovate my pre-1978 home?
For your own owner-occupied home, yes, but you must follow lead-safe practices. For rental or contract work, EPA RRP certification is required under federal law.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Sunol compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool