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Lebanon adopts ordinance requiring lead-based paint inspections for rental units
Summary
The Township Committee unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 07-2025 establishing Chapter 150 to implement state-mandated lead-based paint inspections for single-, two- and multi-family rental units, set inspection fees, remediation rules and penalties for noncompliance.
The Lebanon Township Committee on Aug. 20 adopted Ordinance No. 07-2025, creating a local lead-based paint inspection program for single-family, two-family and multiple rental dwellings to comply with P.L. 2021, c. 182 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.1 et seq.). Mayor Brian Wunder called for the vote; Abe Abuchowski moved to adopt the ordinance and Jay Wojcik seconded. The motion passed unanimously (Abuchowski, Wojcik, McKee, Wunder).
Under the ordinance the Township will inspect rental units at tenant turnover or by July 22, 2025, whichever is earlier, and thereafter at the earlier of every three years or upon tenant turnover unless the unit holds a valid two‑year lead-safe certification. Unit owners may instead hire a Department of Community Affairs‑certified lead evaluation contractor to perform inspections, in which case the contractor is treated as the Township inspector for enforcement purposes other than penalties.
Fees are identified in the ordinance: an initial inspection performed by a Township official is $75 per unit or the contractor’s rate if a contractor performs the inspection; a post‑remediation inspection is $50; inspections of additional two‑ or three‑unit buildings are $50 per additional unit; and the Township will assess a $20 per‑unit surcharge dedicated to the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund as required by law. If an inspection identifies a lead hazard, owners must remediate by abatement or other approved hazard‑control methods and obtain reinspection and lead‑safe certification.
The ordinance authorizes the Township to consult with the local health board and state agencies on inspection criteria, and requires the Township inspector to notify the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs if a hazard is found. A 30‑day cure period is provided for owners who have not complied; if the owner fails to cure within 30 days the ordinance authorizes penalties up to $1,000 per week until inspection or remediation is initiated.
The ordinance takes effect immediately upon final passage and publication. The committee did not record any public speakers on the measure at the hearing.
Provenance: introductory language and statutory basis appear in the official ordinance text presented at the meeting. The ordinance was adopted by recorded unanimous vote.
