Lawrence Inspectional Services Department-ISD

04/10/2026

Office of Planning & Community Development

Let's Keep Lawrence Homes Safe and Healthy! 🏡💙

Did you know that homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint? The City of Lawrence Lead Reduction Program is here to help families and property owners make their homes safer, especially for children under six (6) who live in or spend time in those homes.

We offer free financial assistance and expert support to reduce lead hazards and create healthier living spaces across our community.

✨ Together, we can protect our kids and build a healthier Lawrence!

👉 Learn more or see if your home qualifies by calling 978 620-3526 or 978 620-3506 or visiting https://www.cityoflawrence.com/.

Oficina de Planeación y Desarrollo Comunitario

¡Mantengamos los hogares de Lawrence seguros y saludables! 🏡💙

¿Sabía que las casas construidas antes de 1978 pueden contener pintura con plomo? El Programa de Reducción de Plomo de la Ciudad de Lawrence está aquí para ayudar a las familias y a los dueños de propiedades a hacer sus hogares más seguros, especialmente cuando hay niños menores de seis años (6) que viven o pasan tiempo allí.

Ofrecemos asistencia financiera gratuita y apoyo técnico para reducir los riesgos asociados al plomo y mejorar las condiciones de vivienda en nuestra comunidad.

✨ Juntos podemos proteger a nuestros niños y construir un Lawrence más saludable.

👉 Para más información o para saber si su hogar califica, llame al 978 620-3526 o al 978 620-3506 o visite https://www.cityoflawrence.com/.

03/29/2026

Doing the laundry this weekend? The most common cause of dryer fires is a buildup of lint in the dryer or vent. Remember to clean the lint trap after every use and clean the ductwork annually to reduce these risks!

03/29/2026

Illegal dumping is prohibited in the City of Lawrence.

Under Chapter 129 of the Acts of 2016, it is unlawful to dump, place, throw, deposit, or discharge trash, garbage, furniture, appliances, construction debris, landscaping debris, scrap, or other materials on any public or private way shown on the official map of Lawrence, within 20 yards of such a way, or on land owned or controlled by the City of Lawrence.

Property owners also have responsibilities. If material is illegally dumped on property in Lawrence, the owner must remove and lawfully dispose of it within 7 calendar days after written notice from an authorized city official.

Violations may be enforced through criminal or civil action. Penalties may include fines of $5,000 to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 7 days, or both, and civil penalties of up to 3 times the city's removal cost, with a maximum civil penalty of $5,000.

To report illegal dumping in Lawrence. Call Inspectional Services at 978-620-3130 or file a complaint on Citizenserve, our permitting, licensing, and complaint portal at https://www.cityoflawrence.com/

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

Turn around, don't drown!

• Never drive into a flooded roadway. Cars can be swept away in two feet of moving water.

• Do not drive around road barriers. Roads and bridges may be washed out or structurally unsound.

To learn more visit: http://www.mass.gov/mema/floods

03/11/2026

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, city of Newton, and the Product Stewardship Institute are sponsoring the workshop “Lowering Waste Management Costs for Cities and Towns” on March 17, 18 and 19. The free workshop will cover how municipalities can reduce trash and recyclin...

03/11/2026

This Flood Safety Awareness Week is a good time to review watch versus warning terminology.

Flood Watch = flooding is possible. Be prepared!

Flood Warning = flooding is occurring or will occur. Take action!

Learn more at http://www.mass.gov/mema/floods

03/06/2026

In recognition of international Women’s Day, I would like to honor Carmen Zorrilla an Jatnna Mercedes. It is a privilege to recognize Carmen and Jatnna for their remarkable combined 28 years of dedicated service to the City of Lawrence. Their work within ISD embodies the spirit of public service, a commitment to excellence, and equity that helps our city thrive.

03/05/2026

Spring is right around the corner, and that means longer evenings, warmer sunshine, and a little reminder to move our clocks ahead.

Daylight Saving Time begins soon, so don't forget to "spring forward" and set your clocks ahead one hour. It may cost us a little sleep for one night, but in return we gain those beautiful golden evenings when the sun stays out just a bit longer.

There's something special about that extra daylight, kids playing outside, neighbors taking evening walks, and the feeling that brighter days are finally on their way again.
A small change on the clock... but a big sign that spring is waking up.

03/04/2026

starts one week from today! When you this year, remember to check your alarms when you change your clocks. The manufacturing date is printed on the back. Replace alarms that are out of date and replace alkaline batteries in alarms that use them. Choosing a new alarm? Select one from a well-known national brand with a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature. Look for the mark of an independent testing lab like UL or Intertek/ETL: https://ow.ly/K8QQ50TR42s

03/04/2026

is Sunday, March 8 - don't forget to set your clocks one hour ahead!

03/04/2026

📢 Inspectional Services Department Flood Prevention Advisory

With warmer temperatures and rapid snowmelt expected, the Inspectional Services Department is sharing important guidance for all City property owners and managers to help prevent basement flooding and water damage.

Taking these steps now can help protect your property, reduce costly repairs, and keep our neighborhoods safer during the upcoming melt period.