Lowell's historic housing stock triggers the Massachusetts Lead Law requiring full de-leading of pre-1978 homes where any child under 6 resides, a critical compliance issue for landlords and buyers.
Lowell's housing stock is among the oldest in Massachusetts, with large numbers of 19th and early 20th century homes and mill-era multifamily buildings. The Massachusetts Lead Law (MGL c.111 s.197A and 105 CMR 460) requires that any residential property built before 1978 where a child under 6 years of age resides must be de-leaded or brought into interim control to remove or cover all accessible lead paint. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to families with young children because of lead paint, and doing so is discrimination under MGL c.151B. Property owners must provide prospective tenants and buyers with the state Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification and, for rentals, the Tenant Lead Law Notification. De-leading work must be performed by a licensed contractor, with interim controls possible for 1-2 years. A Letter of Interim Control or Letter of Full Compliance from a licensed lead inspector documents compliance. Violations expose owners to strict liability for child lead poisoning, including statutory damages and attorney fees.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
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See how other cities in Middlesex County handle lead paint.
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