Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.70
Maintenance of premises and landscape elements
Operative Text
A. All premises and landscape elements shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition, including but not limited to, steps, walks, driveways, fences, retaining walls, trees, shrubs, grass and weeds. If any such area or object constitutes a danger to health or safety, it shall be repaired, replaced, or removed. B. All paved driveways and walks which exist within the public right-of-way shall be maintained in a safe condition. C. All fences, retaining walls or similar structures shall be firmly anchored in the ground and maintained in good structural repair. Wooden elements or other elements subject to deterioration from weathering shall be maintained with chemicals or paint to preserve the element and to retard deterioration. D. Weeds, grass and shrubs shall be kept trimmed and from becoming overgrown. E. Trees and shrubs which have branches projecting into the public right-of-way, including public sidewalks, public places, or public highways, shall be kept trimmed to prevent interference with any person or vehicle lawfully using the right-of-way. F. Dead trees in proximity to rights-of-way, buildings, structures, or congregations of people which may endanger such object shall be removed. G. All yards, courts, or lots shall be kept free of accumulations of trash, garbage, waste, rubbish, refuse, junk, and other noxious or offensive materials or substances which may cause a fire hazard or may act as a breeding place for vermin or insects. Storage of miscellaneous items must be within enclosed structures or screened. H. All portions of all premises shall be graded so that there is no pooling of water or recurrent entrance of water into any basement or cellar.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.70 establishes broad maintenance standards for residential and other premises, covering everything from structural elements like fences and retaining walls to landscaping features like trees, grass, and shrubs. The rule requires that hazardous conditions be corrected through repair, replacement, or removal, and that outdoor areas remain free of debris, standing water, and overgrowth. It also extends certain obligations into the public right-of-way, such as keeping overhanging branches trimmed and paved walks in safe condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 8.20 § 8.20.70, compliant property operators generally conduct routine inspections of all exterior elements — including fences, retaining walls, driveways, and landscaping — to identify and address deterioration or hazards before they worsen. Operators typically keep wooden and weather-exposed structures treated or painted, ensure dead trees near buildings or public areas are removed promptly, and maintain grading that prevents water from pooling or entering below-grade spaces. Yards and storage areas are generally kept clear of trash, refuse, and junk, with miscellaneous items stored inside enclosed or screened structures.
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 § 8.20.70 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when exterior premises conditions — such as overgrown vegetation, deteriorating fences, accumulated debris, or drainage problems — create unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Tenants who observe such conditions may document them and report them to Lawrence's code enforcement or housing inspection authority, which has the power to investigate and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations in the Lawrence area can help explain how this provision interacts with lease obligations and what options may be available when a landlord does not address reported violations.
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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