Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.12 § 15.12.260
Orders—Service and content
Operative Text
A. If an examination as provided for in regulation 3 of article I of the State Sanitary Code reveals that a dwelling does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, the board of health may order the owner or occupant, as appropriate, to: 1. Clean the premises; or 2. Otherwise comply with the violated provisions of this chapter. B. If an examination as provided for in regulation 3 of article I of the State Sanitary Code reveals that a dwelling so fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter as to endanger or materially impair the health or well-being of the occupant or the public, the board of health may order the dwelling condemned and vacated if occupied, and demolished, if necessary. C. Every order authorized by this chapter shall be in writing. Orders issued under the provisions of subsection A. of this section shall be served on the persons responsible for the violated section. Orders issued under the provisions of subsection B. of this section shall be served on the owner or the owner's authorized agent. All orders shall be served on the designated person: 1. Personally, by any person authorized to serve civil process; or 2. By leaving a copy of the order at his or her last and usual place of abode; or 3. By sending him or her a copy of the order by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, if he or she is within the commonwealth; or 4. If his or her last and usual place of abode is unknown or outside the commonwealth, by posting a copy of the order in a conspicuous place on or about the dwelling or portion thereof affected. D. A copy of every order issued under the provisions of subsection B. of this section shall also be served upon every mortgage of record by sending it registered mail, return receipt requested, in every case where demolition action is contemplated. E. Subject to the emergency provision of regulation 5 of article I of the State Sanitary Code, any order issued under the provisions of this chapter shall: 1. Include a statement of the violation or defect, and may suggest action which if taken will effect compliance with this chapter; 2. Allot a reasonable time for any action it requires; and 3. Inform the person to whom it is directed of his or her right to a hearing, and of his or her responsibility to request the hearing, and to whom the request shall be made.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.12 § 15.12.260 establishes the process by which the Lawrence Board of Health issues and delivers compliance orders after a State Sanitary Code inspection reveals housing violations. Depending on the severity of the violation, the board may direct cleaning or general compliance, or in more serious cases may condemn, vacate, and potentially order demolition of a dwelling. Every such order must be written, describe the specific violation, allow a reasonable time to correct it, and notify the recipient of their right to request a hearing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.12 § 15.12.260, property owners who receive a Board of Health order following a State Sanitary Code inspection generally ensure the written order is acknowledged and that any required corrective action is completed within the timeframe specified. Compliant operators also take note of the hearing-request right described in the order, since that procedural option is time-sensitive and must be initiated by the recipient. When a condemnation or demolition order is issued, owners are typically responsible for ensuring that any mortgagees of record are also notified, as the provision requires the board to serve those parties by registered mail with return receipt.
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 § 15.12.260 gives occupants a stake in the inspection and enforcement process: if a State Sanitary Code examination uncovers violations that endanger health or well-being, the Board of Health has authority to condemn and vacate the dwelling, which directly affects a tenant's housing situation. Tenants who receive a written order under this section have a right to a hearing, and the order itself must inform them how to request one. Tenants who believe their dwelling has unaddressed violations, or who have questions about a condemnation order they've received, may consider contacting the Lawrence Board of Health directly or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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