KCLEAR Inspection Program

Get a FREE Home Lead Paint Inspection!

The Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction (KCLEAR) Inspection Program provides a trained and certified expert to evaluate your home and thoroughly tests all painted surfaces with XRF technology to see if they contain lead. Dust samples and soil samples are also taken in and around the home. A Lead Inspection Risk Assessment report with results and recommendations is provided.
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Program Details

What It Includes
  • Lead testing of all painted surfaces by trained and certified experts
  • Testing of dust and soil samples in and around the home
  • Lead Inspection Risk Assessment report with results and recommendations
Cost

The inspection is free. If lead-based paint hazards are found, financial assistance with repairs may be available. See Frequently Asked Questions for financial assistance information

Eligibility
  • The property must be constructed prior to 1978.
  • The property must be in Kent County, outside of the City of Grand Rapids.
  • The property must be owner-occupied as primary residence.
  • Other criteria may apply.
How to Apply

You can apply online at the form at the bottom of this page.

Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions

The KCLEAR program starts with a free home lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment for:

  • Homes built before 1978
  • Located in Kent County (excluding those inside the City of Grand Rapids)
  • Owner-occupied as their primary residence (no rentals)

The City of Grand Rapids operates a lead hazard control program exclusively for residents of Grand Rapids.

The KCLEAR program is for homeowners only.

If lead-based paint hazards are found, financial assistance with repairs may be available for households with an annual income at or below these limits:

1 Person2 People3 People4 People5 People6 People7 People8 People
$88,125$100,704$113,282$125,860$135,938$146,017$159,059$166,173

If lead-based paint hazards are found, financial assistance with repairs may be available for households with an annual income at or below these limits:

1 Person: $88,125

2 People: $100,704

3 People: $113,282

4 People: $125,860

5 People: $135,938

6 People: $146,017

7 People: $159,059

8 People: $166,173

For income-eligible homeowners, the KCLEAR program provides financial assistance to address lead-based paint hazards identified on their home’s lead inspection report by either Abatement methods or Interim Control methods.

 

Abatement

Abatement is the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards.

Abatement includes:

  • Removal of building components coated with lead-based paint
  • Removal of dust-lead hazards
  • Removal of soil-lead hazards
  • Overlaying soil with durable covering such as asphalt
  • Enclosing lead-based paint hazards
  • Coating lead-based paint hazards with approved encapsulant (“a thick liquid used to cover lead-based paint”)

 

Interim Control

An Interim Control is a temporary measure to reduce exposure to lead-based paint hazards.

Interim control includes, but is not limited to:

  • Preparing and painting lead-based paint hazards
  • Treatment of friction and impact surfaces
  • Specialized cleaning
  • Landscaping over soil-lead hazards (e.g., grass or sod)
  • Monitoring by the homeowner
  • Re-evaluation (conducted by a certified lead professional)

Applications are processed within 30 days of submission.

Lead contractors engaged to address lead-based paint hazards through the KCLEAR program must be state-certified Lead Abatement Firms with state-certified Lead Abatement Supervisors and Workers performing the work.  Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Lead Services Division is responsible for monitoring lead contractor compliance and quality assurance. 

Additionally, each KCLEAR project is managed by a Kent County Housing Rehabilitation Specialist who monitors the work in progress and performs a final inspection of the work, ensuring the work was done according to industry standards.

Through County funds allocated by the Kent County Board of Commissioners.

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