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Lawrence, MA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code adopted
780 CMR Appendix 115.AA, Stretch Energy Code
Applies to
Residential and commercial buildings
Effective date
Permits applied for/issued after 7-1-2018
Enacted
Doc. 313/2017, eff. 11-23-17
Update cycle
Revised every 3 years by state board

Summary

Lawrence has locally adopted the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, 780 CMR Appendix 115.AA, as the energy-efficiency standard for new residential and commercial construction, applying to all permits applied for or issued since July 1, 2018.

Stretch Energy Code. Codified by the board of building regulations and standards as 780 CMR Appendix 115.AA of the Massachusetts Building Code, the Stretch Energy Code is an appendix to the Massachusetts Building Code, to improve the energy efficiency of buildings built to this code... This chapter shall apply to all permits applied for or issued after July 1, 2018.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).

Full Breakdown

15 of the Lawrence Code, enacted by Doc. 010). 060 makes the chapter prospective only: it applies to all permits applied for or issued after July 1, 2018, and does not disturb rights, liabilities, or pending court proceedings tied to permits issued under the prior energy code. 040 repeals any conflicting prior ordinance provisions outright. AA is currently in force at the state level, and any future update the state issues to the Stretch Code automatically becomes the enforceable local standard without a separate city vote.

Violations & Fines

The chapter does not set out its own penalty schedule; noncompliant construction is addressed through the state building code's enforcement and permitting mechanism, since 15.15.030 folds compliance directly into the Massachusetts Building Code's permitting process administered by the building commissioner's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Lawrence adopted a green or energy building code?
Yes. Chapter 15.15 locally adopts the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, 780 CMR Appendix 115.AA, as an energy-efficiency alternative to the base state building code for new residential and commercial construction.
When did Lawrence's Stretch Energy Code take effect?
Section 15.15.060 makes the chapter apply prospectively to all permits applied for or issued after July 1, 2018, without disturbing rights tied to permits issued under the prior code.
Does the Stretch Energy Code apply to all buildings in Lawrence?
Section 15.15.030 applies it to residential and commercial buildings; any building outside that scope must still comply with 780 CMR 115.AA as indicated in the state appendix.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lawrence

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsLead PaintSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions

All Lawrence rules

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