Lead Inspections

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Know When Inspections Occur and Understand the Rules

Inspections involving visual assessments for lead-based paint hazards will be performed as part of the required rental inspection application process for new or renewing Certificate of Compliance and Rental Registry certificates every 3 years or based upon the filing of a general complaint. 

The inspection will include a visual assessment of the property for: 

  • Deteriorated paint
  • Chipping Paint
  • Peeling Paint 

  • Bare soil within the drip line 

Impacted Structures

The Lead Ordinance presumes the presence of lead-based paint on the interior and exterior of any residential property and exterior of any non-residential property built before 1978.

High-Risk Area

The adopted high-risk area map aligns with the City’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) and reflects areas with higher rates of poverty, rental properties, and childhood elevated blood lead levels.  

In the high-risk area, owners of rental properties with five units or less built before 1978 are required to submit dust wipe samples to the Lead Hazard Control Office as part of the periodic inspection process, even if there are no visual signs of deteriorated paint, to ensure no lead dust hazards are present. 

Click on the button below to find out if your property falls within the City’s identified high-risk area and was built prior to 1978:

View High Risk Area Map

 

Dust Wipe Sampling

The Lead Ordinance details how third-parties should perform dust-wipe sampling. It also sets the standards for clearance exams. Professionals performing dust wipe sampling must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as either a Risk Assessor, Lead-Based Paint Inspector, or Lead Dust Sampling Technician. The Lead Hazard Control Office will verify EPA compliance and review any dust-wipe samples or clearance examination reports submitted. 

Action Required

Lead-based paint hazard violations identified by a visual assessment or dust wipe sampling require property owners to correct violations using lead-safe work practices, submit a clearance examination report, and pass a final inspection.

Exemptions

Buildings constructed after 1978, single-family owner-occupied dwellings, and vacant properties in foreclosure are not subject to Lead Ordinance violations or dust sampling requirements. 

Any building complex with six or more units, any senior housing development, and all studio apartments are exempt from dust sampling requirements but may be subject to Lead Ordinance violations.

Self-Services

Contact Us

Phone

315-448-8266

Email

lead@syr.gov

Location

One Park Place

300 South State St., Suite 700

Syracuse, NY 13202 

Complaints and Inspections

Phone

315-448-8695

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