Lawrence, MA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 8.20.070(B)
- Duty holder
- property/premises owner
- Daily fine for noncompliance
- $100.00 (§ 8.20.130)
- Enforcing office
- commissioner of inspectional services
- Appeal window
- 7 days to board of health
- City remedy if ignored
- repair and lien property
Summary
Lawrence's building and property maintenance code makes premises owners responsible for the paved walks on their property, including sidewalks within the public right-of-way, under Municipal Code § 8.20.070(B). Owners who let a walk fall into disrepair face inspection by the commissioner of inspectional services and fines of $100.00 per day per violation.
8.20.070 - Maintenance of premises and landscape elements. A.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. If any such area or object constitutes a danger to health or safety, it shall be repaired, replaced, or removed.B.All paved driveways and walks which exist within the public right-of-way shall be maintained in a safe condition.
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
20, the Building and Property Maintenance Code, folds sidewalk repair into the same maintenance duty that covers steps, driveways, fences and retaining walls. ' 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. 080, working with the board of health. 090(D). 120, backed by a lien on the property under General Laws c. 111, § 125.
Violations & Fines
An owner who leaves a sidewalk unsafe faces a notice of order from the commissioner of inspectional services listing the defect and repair deadline; ignoring an unappealed or upheld order costs $100.00 per day per violation under § 8.20.130. The city can also make the repair itself and bill the owner, then lien the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to fix a broken sidewalk in front of a Lawrence house?
What's the fine for an unsafe sidewalk in Lawrence?
Can I appeal a sidewalk repair order in Lawrence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
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