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Council adopts lead-paint inspection rule for rental units to mirror state law
Summary
The council passed an ordinance to codify New Jersey's lead-based-paint inspection rules for rental dwellings; health officials described existing assistance programs and residents urged quicker relocations and stronger enforcement.
The Newark Municipal Council voted May 21 to adopt an ordinance codifying the state’s lead-based-paint inspection requirements for rental dwellings, aligning local law with New Jersey Administrative Code Title 5, Chapter 28.
Kellen Allsburg, director of the Newark Department of Health, told the council the local ordinance implements the 2023 state rule that requires proactive inspection and remediation to reduce childhood lead exposure. Allsburg said the Department of Health provides nurse case management, home inspections and remediation support and described 15 "lead-safe house" units available across the city for relocation when necessary.
Resident speakers at the public hearing described continuing problems that, they said, showed the city’s current response needed strengthening. Donna Jackson urged the city to be more forceful in relocating families with children and said some tenants awaiting assistance had not received timely relocation. Allsburg responded that the department provides immediate intervention for children with elevated blood lead levels, that grants exist to assist homeowners to remediate hazards, and that, in her view, no child actively managed by the department lacks access to relocation when required.
Why it matters: Lead exposure in housing is a public-health risk for children. The ordinance brings local enforcement into alignment with the state rule, seeks to standardize inspection requirements across rental housing, and commits public-health resources to case management and remediation assistance.
Next steps: The director invited any resident who believes their child has not received needed assistance to contact the Department of Health directly for follow-up.
