(a) The Director is authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of this Article; to conduct a case management program for elevated blood lead level children; to conduct a program for the remediation of lead hazards in residential and nonresidential buildings, indoor or outdoor property or premises, and dwelling units; to order vacation of any dwelling unit; and to enforce the provisions of this Article by any lawful means. The Director's authority to abate nuisances under this Article shall be in addition to authority granted under other law, including Article 11 of the this Code, and the Director may combine all such authorities to protect persons from lead hazards and to seek collection or reimbursement of nuisance abatement costs. The Special Revenue Fund created under Section 599(e) of this Code may be used to abate lead hazards in any structure, building or part thereof as provided in Article 11.
(b) Upon showing of proper credentials, persons authorized by the Director, when necessary for the performance of their duties, shall have the right to enter any building, premises or dwelling unit specified in Section 1626 of this Article and perform sampling, testing or periodic surveillance of potential lead hazards. The Director shall seek the consent of the owner or current occupant before entry.
(c) The Director may promulgate such regulations as may be necessary from time to time to carry out the provisions of this Article. The definitions for lead-contaminated dust, water and soil, and the definition of lead-based paint expressed in Section 1603 may be amended by such regulations in light of scientific evidence or guidance from federal or State agencies, without further action by the Board of Supervisors.
(d) Prior to adoption of any rule or regulation under this Article, the Director shall provide a 30-day public comment period by providing published notice in an official newspaper of general circulation in the City and County of San Francisco of the intent to issue or amend the rule or regulation. Rules and regulations shall be approved by the Health Commission at a public hearing. In addition to the notices required by law, the Secretary of the Health Commission shall send written notice, at least 15 days prior to the hearing, to any interested party who sends a written request to the Health Commission for notice of hearings on lead regulation. Regulations promulgated by the Director and approved by the Health Commission shall be maintained in the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
(Added by Ord. 409-96, App. 10/21/96; amended by Ord. 125-01, File No. 010269, App. 6/15/2001; Ord. 36-03, File No. 021857, App. 3/28/2003)