A large part of Salinas was built before 1978, including Oldtown, Maple Park, Monterey Park, South Salinas and much of the Alisal. Federal and state lead rules apply when paint in those homes is disturbed. This page also answers the usual questions about permits, associations, historic buildings and storefronts.
This page gives general information for property owners in California. It is not legal advice. For a decision about your own property, contact the agency named here or speak to a lawyer.
My house was built before 1978. Do I need to worry about lead paint?
Yes. Treat the paint as possibly containing lead unless testing has shown that it does not. The United States banned lead in house paint in 1978. The older the house, the higher the chance that some layer has lead in it.
Old lead paint that is whole and sealed under later coats is a low risk. The hazard is dust and chips, which come from sanding, scraping, cutting or paint left to flake. Young children and pregnant women are harmed most easily.
How do I know if old paint contains lead?
You find out whether paint contains lead by having it tested. In California a paid lead inspection or risk assessment has to be carried out by someone certified by the California Department of Public Health, known as CDPH. The inspector tests painted surfaces and gives a written report.
The federal renovation rule also lets a certified renovator test the surfaces a job will disturb, with an EPA-recognized kit or with paint chips sent to a laboratory. As a national figure, HomeGuide lists a lead inspection at $300 to $700. CDPH runs a lead information line on 800-597-5323.
Can you paint over lead paint or must it be removed?
You can paint over lead paint that is in sound condition. It does not have to be removed. Keeping it intact and covered is an accepted way of managing it, and it makes far less dust than stripping.
Paint that is already flaking is different. The loose material has to be taken off with lead-safe methods before the surface is primed and painted. Dry power sanding and open-flame burning are not acceptable. Encapsulant coatings are made for surfaces that need a tougher seal than normal paint.
What certification does a painter need for pre-1978 homes?
A painting firm paid to disturb paint in a pre-1978 home must be certified by the EPA under the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, called RRP, and must put a certified renovator in charge of the job. EPA runs this program directly in California.
The rule covers housing, child care centers and preschools built before 1978. Very small jobs fall outside it: up to 6 square feet of disturbed paint per room indoors and up to 20 square feet outdoors. Work meant to remove lead hazards permanently is abatement, which needs CDPH-certified supervisors and workers. Ask every painter you speak to for proof of EPA firm certification, and ask us about your house when you call.
Do lead rules change the price?
Yes, lead rules add to the price on an older house. Lead-safe work means plastic sheeting on the ground or floor, containment of dust, special cleanup, protective gear and paperwork.
The extra cost follows the amount of old paint disturbed. Repainting over sound paint with a little scraping adds a small amount. Scraping a badly peeling exterior adds much more. For full abatement, which is not a painting service, HomeGuide publishes $6 to $17 per square foot for lead paint removal and $6 to $10 for encapsulation.
Who is responsible for lead paint disclosure on a rental?
The landlord is. Under federal law, landlords and sellers of most housing built before 1978, and their agents, must disclose what they know about lead paint before a lease or sale is signed.
They have to give the tenant or buyer the EPA booklet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, pass on any lead reports they hold and include a lead warning statement in the paperwork. Separately, a contractor doing paid renovation in a pre-1978 rental must give the occupants a lead safety pamphlet before starting.
Do I need a permit to paint the outside of my house?
Painting alone does not normally need a building permit. The California building code lists painting among the finish work that is exempt. We have not found a Salinas rule that says otherwise, and the Permit Center at the Community Development Department can confirm for your address.
A permit may be needed if the job includes more than paint, such as replacing siding or structural wood. Scaffolding or a lift standing on a public sidewalk or street generally needs an encroachment permit from the city. Outside city limits, in places such as Prunedale, Castroville and Spreckels, the county's Housing and Community Development department is the office to ask.
Do I need HOA approval to change my exterior color, and can the HOA fine me?
If your home is in an HOA, you almost certainly need its written approval before changing the exterior color. Most associations keep a set of approved colors or ask for samples. Planned communities around Salinas, such as Las Palmas Ranch, and many newer tracts have rules of this kind.
An HOA can fine an owner for breaking its rules, after the notice and hearing its governing documents and California law require. It can also demand a repaint in an approved color. Apply first and wait for the answer in writing. We can supply color names and samples for the application.
Are there paint rules in a historic district?
There can be. Buildings that a city or county has designated as historic often need review before the exterior is changed. Salinas has older buildings in and around Oldtown that the city treats as historic resources.
We could not confirm from an official source whether a repaint needs review in Salinas, so we will not guess. Ask the Community Development Department before changing the look of a designated building. Nearby, Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea all review exterior changes to older buildings, and Spreckels comes under the county.
Do I need a permit to paint a storefront or commercial building?
Painting a storefront or commercial building does not usually need a building permit, just as with a house. Related items often do need approval.
- Scaffolding, lifts or barriers on a public sidewalk or street: usually an encroachment permit.
- Painted signs, lettering and murals: normally covered by the sign rules, so ask the planning staff first.
- A new color on a designated historic building or in a shopping center with design conditions: ask the city and your landlord.
Questions about your own property? Call or text (831) 257-0052.