Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.020

It is hereby found and declared that there exist in the city structures used for residential and nonresidential use which are, or may become in the future, substandard with respect to structure, equipment or maintenance, or further, that such conditions, including but not limited to, structural deterioration, lack of maintenance and appearance of exterior of premises, infestation, lack of maintenance or upkeep of essential utilities and facilities existence of fire hazards, inadequate provisions for light and air, unsanitary conditions and overcrowding, constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals, welfare and reasonable comfort of the citizens and inhabitants of the city. It is further found and declared that, by reason of lack of maintenance and because of progressive deterioration, certain properties have the further effect of creating blighting conditions and initiating slums, and that if the same are not curtailed and removed, the aforesaid conditions will grow and spread and will necessitate in time the expenditure of large amounts of public funds to correct and eliminate the same, and that, by reason of timely regulations and restrictions as herein contained, the growth of sums and blight may be prevented and the neighborhood and property values thereby maintained, the desirability and amenities of residential and nonresidential uses find neighborhoods enhanced and the public health, safety and welfare protected and fostered.