This bill mandates that owners of residential buildings constructed or partially constructed before 1979 must obtain a construction permit before painting or removing existing paint from the building's exterior, specifically if existing paint is present in the work area. The enforcing agency is required to determine whether the paint may contain lead through inspections or a review of construction records. If lead is suspected, the owner must hire a certified contractor for any sanding or scraping of paint. Additionally, the enforcing agency must conduct at least two unscheduled inspections during the work to ensure compliance with safety standards and permit requirements.
The bill also stipulates that the fee for the construction permit cannot exceed $50, although fees for other types of permits may be adjusted to cover revenue shortfalls. Owners who fail to comply with the permit requirement face a penalty of $150, with an additional penalty of $1,500 for continued violations. This legislation aims to mitigate the risks of lead exposure, particularly for children, by ensuring safe practices when dealing with lead-based paint in older homes. The bill is set to take effect three months after its enactment.