Request for Public Comment on Lead-Safe Certification Guidance
The City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing is seeking public feedback on new draft guidance document for residential rental owners and their agents to better navigate the City’s Lead-Safe Certificate Ordinance and associated processes.
Please provide your comments by 5 p.m. on April 26, 2024, to Emily Collins at ecollins@clevelandohio.gov.
March 14, 2024 Report to the Lead-Safe Advisory Board on Lead-Safe Programs
Mission Statement
To assure that all existing and new structures in the City of Cleveland are maintained and constructed in a safe and habitable manner through enforcement of the Building and Zoning Codes, pursuant to the review of plans, issuance of permits and inspection of property.
Lead Certification the Importance of Lead Safe Living
Lead is a neurotoxin that adversely impacts human health. It is particularly dangerous to children and cause developmental delays and impediments that result in significantly reduced academic performance, increased juvenile justice involvement, and other lifelong consequences. Because of the age of Cleveland’s housing stock and the disinvestment in it, children growing up in Cleveland are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning and its negative consequences. Recognizing this, Cleveland City Council in 2019 passed legislation that requires owners of rental property in the City to prove that their dwelling units are safe from lead hazards.
How to Certify Your Property
Property owners or their agents must engage an independent contractor to perform a Lead Risk Assessment Inspection on their property. Following the inspection, the completed report must be submitted to the City of Cleveland Department of Building and Housing via the City's Citizen Access Portal.
Reports must be submitted no later than 90 days after the inspection date.
There is no fee for application and certification must be renewed every two years from the date of initial certification.