Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.12 § 15.12.160
Lighting and electrical facilities
Operative Text
A. The owner shall provide for each habitable room other than a kitchen: 1. Transparent or translucent glass which admits light from the outdoors and which is equal in area to no less than ten percent of the entire floor area of that room; 2. Two separate wall-type convenience outlets, or one such outlet and one electric light fixture. The outlets shall be placed in practical locations and shall, insofar as practicable, be on different walls and at least ten feet apart. (See Section 15.12.200 .) B. The owner shall provide for each kitchen: 1. One electric light fixture and one wall-type convenience outlet; and 2. For each kitchen over 70 square feet, transparent or translucent glass which admits light from the outdoors and which is equal in area to no less than ten percent of the entire floor area of that kitchen. C. The owner shall provide in each bathroom and toilet compartment an electric light fixture. D. The owner shall provide and shall so locate electric light fixtures such that illumination will be available for the safe and reasonable use of every laundry, pantry, foyer, community corridor, closet and storage space. E. The owner shall at all times provide light in every part of all interior passageways, hallways and stairways used or intended for use by the occupants of more than one dwelling unit or rooming unit so that the illumination, alone or in conjunction with natural lighting, shall be at least two lumens per square foot (two footcandles). F. The owner shall provide and shall so locate light switches and fixtures such that illumination will be available for the safe and reasonable use of all cellars, porches and exterior stairways used or intended for use by the occupants. G. No wiring shall lie under a rug or other floor covering, nor shall any extend through a doorway or other opening in a structural element. No temporary wiring shall be used or made available for use by any owner or occupant; provided, that extension cords which connect portable electric appliances or fixtures to convenience outlets shall not be considered temporary wiring. H. If any light-obstructing structure is located less than three feet from the outside of and extends to a level above the lower level of the transparent or translucent glass required by this section, that portion so obstructed shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum total glass area. I. The provisions of this section regarding the furnishing of electrical facilities shall apply only if a source of electricity is available from power lines within 600 feet of the dwelling.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.12 § 15.12.160 establishes minimum lighting and electrical standards that property owners must meet in residential dwellings. Every habitable room (other than a kitchen) must have natural light through glass covering at least ten percent of the floor area, plus a minimum number of electrical outlets or fixtures; kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, stairways, and common areas each have their own specific lighting requirements. The rule also prohibits wiring run under rugs or through structural openings, restricts temporary wiring, and limits how nearby obstructing structures affect the calculation of required glass area. These electrical facility requirements apply only when a power source is available within 600 feet of the dwelling.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.12 § 15.12.160, compliant property operators ensure that every habitable non-kitchen room contains sufficient transparent or translucent glass for natural light and the required number of properly spaced electrical outlets or fixtures. Operators also verify that kitchens, bathrooms, common corridors, stairways, cellars, and exterior stairways meet their respective lighting standards, and that all wiring is permanently installed rather than run under floor coverings or through structural openings. When assessing whether natural light requirements are satisfied, operators account for any nearby obstructing structures that may reduce the effective glass area, and confirm whether the 600-foot power-line proximity threshold under subsection I applies to the property.
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. 15.12 § 15.12.160 gives occupants the right to habitable rooms with adequate natural light and properly installed electrical outlets or fixtures, as well as safely illuminated common areas, stairways, and passageways. If a rental unit appears to fall short of these standards — for example, insufficient outlets in a room, unlit hallways, or wiring tucked under rugs — tenants may document the conditions and consider raising the violation with Lawrence's code enforcement or housing authority. Tenant-rights organizations in the Lawrence area can help occupants understand available options, including how such a violation might be raised as a defense or basis for a complaint under this provision.
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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