Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.060
Maintenance of accessory structures
Operative Text
Each accessory structure shall be subject to the maintenance standards set forth above, Further, each structure shall: A. Provide weatherproof usable space and shall not harbor rodents, termites or other vermin. B. In residential zones, all outdoor storage for a continuous period exceeding 15 days shall be within enclosed buildings or it shall be effectively screened for view except as may be permitted by city zoning ordinances. However the storage of functional items such as children's play structures, firewood and operable vehicles and bicycles shall be exempt from this provision. C. Inoperable vehicles must be removed from the premises unless a permit for said storage has been obtained from the building commissioner in accordance with city ordinance.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.060 establishes maintenance standards for accessory structures, requiring that they remain weatherproof and free of rodents, termites, and other vermin. In residential zones, outdoor storage lasting more than 15 consecutive days must be kept inside an enclosed building or screened from view, though items like children's play equipment, firewood, and working vehicles or bicycles are exempt from that screening requirement. Inoperable vehicles may not remain on the property unless the owner has obtained a storage permit from the building commissioner as allowed under city ordinance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators managing properties in Lawrence should ensure that all accessory structures covered by ch. 8.20 § 8.20.060 are maintained in a weatherproof condition and kept free of pest infestations. Compliant property managers generally monitor outdoor storage in residential zones, ensuring that items stored for more than 15 continuous days are either enclosed or adequately screened, while recognizing the exemptions for play structures, firewood, and operable vehicles and bicycles. When inoperable vehicles are present on a property, compliant operators either arrange for their removal or secure the required permit from the building commissioner before the vehicles remain on-site.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.060, tenants in residential zones have an interest in knowing that accessory structures on their property must be weatherproof and free of vermin, and that outdoor storage rules apply to the premises they occupy. If a tenant believes conditions on the property fall short of these standards — such as pest infestations in an accessory structure or improperly stored inoperable vehicles — they may consider filing a complaint with the relevant Lawrence code enforcement or building department. Tenants can also reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about how this provision interacts with their lease and what options may be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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