Property Maintenance in Lawrence, MA (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for Lawrence, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
Lawrence treats a substandard or dangerous building as a nuisance to abutters: the commissioner of inspectional services can investigate on a written complaint, order specific repairs with a deadline, and refer the case to the board of health for a hearing. An unappealed or affirmed order carries a $100.00-per-day fine until it's fixed.
Lawrence Unfit Property Abatement Rule
Significant RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances Sections 8.20.090, 8.20.130
It is declared that violations of this chapter shall constitute a nuisance to the persons and property abutting an unfit building or property. ... If the commissioner upon investigation determines that a violation of this chapter exists, he/she shall cause to be served upon the owner of and parties in interest in such building or property a notice of order. ... Any person, firm or corporation v...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Lawrence bars dumping rubbish, ashes or sweepings in streets, alleys or vacant lots outside the public dump, and separately requires every yard, court or lot, improved or not, to stay free of trash, junk and debris that could cause a fire hazard or breed vermin. Inspectional services, police and fire personnel all enforce it.
Lawrence Vacant Lot Dumping Ban
Some RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances Sections 8.08.130, 8.20.70(G)
No person shall deposit wastepaper, house refuse, ashes, store or house sweepings, or any other form of rubbish in the streets, alleys, lanes, areas or vacant lots, other than public dumps in the city. ... All yards, courts, or lots shall be kept free of accumulations of trash, garbage, waste, rubbish, refuse, junk, and other noxious or offensive materials or substances which may cause a fire h...
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
Lawrence property owners must clear snow, slush and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps within 24 hours after snowfall stops, under Municipal Code § 12.04.040. Fines start at $100.00 per day for one-unit residential buildings and jump to $200.00 per day for multi-unit or non-residential property, with each day counted as a separate violation.
Lawrence Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Duty
Some RestrictionsLawrence Municipal Code § 12.04.040
A.Requirements for snow and/or slush. The owner of any building or land bordering on any street or way where there is an awning, sidewalk or curb ramp shall, within 24 hours after snow has cease to fall, remove any slush or any loose, granular, or packed snow upon such sidewalk, footway or curb ramp. Removal of any slush or snow shall be conducted in a manner that clears a path of a minimum of ...