Lawrence, MA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

Chapter 8.20, the Building and Property Maintenance Code, folds sidewalk repair into the same maintenance duty that covers steps, driveways, fences and retaining walls. Section 8.20.070(A) requires that 'all premises and landscape elements shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition, including but not limited to, steps, walks, driveways, fences, retaining walls, trees, shrubs, grass and weeds,' and any area that becomes a danger to health or safety 'shall be repaired, replaced, or removed.' Subsection B speaks directly to sidewalks: 'All paved driveways and walks which exist within the public right-of-way shall be maintained in a safe condition.' Subsection E adds that trees and shrubs with branches hanging over a public sidewalk must be kept trimmed so they don't interfere with pedestrians or vehicles using the right-of-way.

The commissioner of inspectional services enforces the chapter under § 8.20.080, working with the board of health. If an inspection finds a violation, § 8.20.090 lets the commissioner serve the owner a notice of order listing the defects and a correction deadline; the owner can request a board of health hearing within seven days under § 8.20.090(D). An unappealed order, or one affirmed after a hearing, carries a fine of $100.00 per day per violation under § 8.20.130, and if the owner still won't fix it, § 8.20.110 lets the city do the repair itself and bill the owner under § 8.20.120, backed by a lien on the property under General Laws c. 111, § 125.