Removing Paint With Power Needs Permit

From now on you will need a permit to remove exterior paint when power sanding or blasting.

The permit cost $35. No permit, however, is required for hand sanding or hand scraping. 

"This regulation only pertains to the use of power sanders and other abrasive paint removal tools that make containing the paint material difficult,” Health Director Jeff Vaughan said in a news release.

The release goes on to say that the Board of Health approved amendments to its Exterior Power Sanding and Abrasive Blasting Regulation, originally enacted in 1994, on March 20. 

The Board recognizes that the methods commonly employed in the removal of exterior paint by power sanding and abrasive blasting often result in the creation of uncontrolled particulate matter and other by-products, which, in addition to creating a nuisance, may result in the inhalation or ingestion of dust and contamination of soil, water and air, the health director said. 

Restrictions on exterior paint removal when using power sanders and abrasive blasting equipment will enable homeowners and contractors to better control particulate matter and other by-products and thereby minimize the nuisance and health effects associated with these activities.

The regulation includes the following:

• To qualify for a permit, the area being sanded or blasted must be enclosed to prevent the public from breathing in the particulates.
• In addition, the work must be completed on days when the wind is below 20 mph.
• No permit will be given for removing lead-based paint from an exterior. 
• Exterior surfaces shall include, but not be limited to, cars, boats, building structures, and fences.

A complete copy of the regulation is available upon request at the Health Department located at 22 Monument Avenue, Swampscott, or visit the regulations link on the Health Department page of the Town of Swampscott website.

http://www.town.swampscott.ma.us/Public_Documents/SwampscottMA_Health/index