Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.050
Maintenance of structures
Operative Text
Each owner and occupant shall keep all exterior components of every structure in good repair, including but not limited to, walls, roofs, chimney, cornices, gutters, downspouts, drains, porches, steps, landings, fire escapes, exterior stairs, windows, shutters, doors, storefronts, signs, marquees and awnings. A. All surfaces shall be covered with a protective coating, such as paint, plastic, or other material which preserves the structure and does not contribute to deterioration. B. All surfaces shall be maintained free of deterioration, including but not limited to, broken glass, loose or missing shingles or siding, crumbling brick stone and mortar, and peeling, scaling or deteriorated paint. C. Overhanging structures, including canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, exterior stairways, fire escapes, and other structures with overhanging extensions shall be maintained in good repair, be securely anchored to the structure, and be protected from rust and other signs of decay by application of a weather-protective material such as paint. Nonoperative or broken electrical signs shall be repaired or removed. All obsolete signs and sign structures shall be removed. D. Except for display merchandise in nonresidential buildings, no storage of materials, goods, stock, or inventory shall be permitted in building openings ordinarily exposed to public view unless such areas are screened from public view except as may be permitted by city or zoning ordinances. All such screening shall be of clean material and will be maintained in a good state of repair.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.050 establishes that both property owners and occupants share responsibility for keeping a building's exterior components — such as walls, roofs, gutters, porches, fire escapes, windows, and awnings — in good repair and covered with a protective coating. Surfaces must be kept free of deterioration like broken glass, missing shingles, crumbling masonry, or peeling paint. Overhanging structures must be securely anchored and protected from rust and decay, broken or obsolete signs must be repaired or removed, and storage visible through building openings must generally be screened from public view.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.050, compliant property operators routinely inspect all exterior surfaces and components — including roofs, gutters, cornices, fire escapes, and awnings — and apply or renew protective coatings before deterioration sets in. Operators also ensure that overhanging structures are securely fastened and treated against rust and decay, that non-functioning or outdated signs are promptly repaired or removed, and that any storage visible through public-facing openings is properly screened with clean, well-maintained materials. Keeping dated inspection and maintenance records is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating ongoing compliance with provisions like this one.
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 § 8.20.050 places exterior maintenance obligations on both owners and occupants, meaning tenants have an interest in understanding what the rule covers — including walls, fire escapes, windows, and other exterior components that can affect safety and habitability. If exterior conditions appear to violate this provision, tenants may have the option of reporting concerns to Lawrence's code enforcement or housing inspection office, raising the violation in relevant housing proceedings, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance. Documenting observed conditions with dated photographs is a step many tenants find useful when pursuing any of these paths.
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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