Lead-Based Paint Permits

Per the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule), you need a permit if the project disturbs paint on all buildings that were built before 1978 such as: 

• Sanding 
• Removing or damaging paint 
• Pressure washing 
• Any work where paint is scraped or chipped 

This includes: 

• Painting only 
• Projects with a building permit 
• Washing old buildings (built before 1978) 

When You Don’t Need a Permit 

According to the EPA’s RRP Rule, these types of work are exempt: 

Minor Work 

• Inside: disturbing less than 6 square feet of lead-based paint in one room 
• Outside: disturbing less than 20 square feet 
• Note: These rules don’t apply to windows—window work always needs safety steps 

Lead-Free Homes 

• Homes built after 1978 usually don’t have lead paint 
• These homes don’t need an LBP permit 

Emergency Repairs 

• If something breaks (like a pipe or roof), you can fix it right away 
• You still need to clean up safely after the repair and apply for a building permit 

DIY Projects 

• If you own and live in the home, you can do the work yourself 
• Friends and family helping for free are okay 
• The home must be owner-occupied 

Projects Where Paint Won’t Be Touched 

• If you paint over old paint without sanding or scraping 
• Adding new walls or siding without disturbing old paint