Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.100
Result of hearing
Operative Text
A. If, after such notice and hearing, the board of health determines that there are violations of this chapter, then it may issue orders appropriate and fit under sections 122, 123 and 125 of General Laws, chapter 111, authorizing and ordering an abatement of the violations, as well as authorizing entry for the purpose of abatement by officers and employees of the City of Lawrence. B. Such orders may include requiring the repair, alteration, or improvement of said building to be made by the owner within a reasonable time, which time shall be set forth in the order, or, if the building is in such condition as to make it dangerous to the health and safety of persons on or near the premises, then to refer the matter to the building commissioner for appropriate proceedings under the General Laws. C. Should an appeal not be made of the order of the commissioner of inspectional services, then such order shall have the force and effect of and order of the board of health under section 30 and section 122 of chapter 111 of the General Laws.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.100 establishes what can happen after a Board of Health notice and hearing finds housing code violations. The Board may issue orders requiring repairs, alterations, or improvements within a set timeframe, and may authorize city officers to enter the property to carry out abatement. If a building poses a danger to health or safety, the matter can be referred to the building commissioner for further proceedings, and an unchallenged commissioner's order carries the same legal weight as a Board of Health order under state law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.100, a compliant property owner generally responds to any Board of Health order by completing required repairs, alterations, or improvements within the timeframe specified in that order. Operators typically document all remediation work and maintain records showing that abatement was completed as directed. When an order is issued, owners should be aware that city officers and employees are authorized to enter the property for abatement purposes, and that failure to appeal a commissioner's order allows it to take on the full legal force of a Board of Health order under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 111.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.100 gives tenants a framework to understand what relief may follow a Board of Health hearing that finds violations in their building. If the Board issues an abatement order, tenants can monitor whether the owner completes repairs within the deadline set in that order, and can note whether city officers exercise their authorized right of entry to carry out abatement. Tenants who believe an order has not been complied with may consider contacting the Lawrence Board of Health, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether the violation can be raised in relevant legal proceedings.
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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