Lawrence Inspectional Services Department-ISD

08/29/2026

Lawrence Inspectional Services Department (ISD) and Office of Planning & Development (OPD) staff were proud to participate in two community events this weekend, connecting directly with residents and sharing information about City of Lawrence services.
Our team spoke with community members about available resources, including permitting, housing and health inspections, code enforcement, licensing, zoning, planning initiatives, and ways residents can help keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and vibrant.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about the services available through the City. Community outreach is an important part of our work, and we appreciate every opportunity to meet residents where they are.
Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more informed Lawrence.

08/25/2026

🚨 Keep Lawrence Clean — Avoid Fines Up to $300! 🚨

The City of Lawrence Inspectional Services Department will conduct inspections and enforce City Ordinance 15.12.220: Garbage and Rubbish Storage and Disposal / Cleanliness of Premises.

Property owners, tenants, and businesses are reminded to:

Properly store all garbage and rubbish in appropriate covered containers.

Keep sidewalks, yards, driveways, and exterior areas free of litter, debris, and accumulated rubbish.

Dispose of household waste and bulky items properly; do not leave materials outside or on public ways.

Maintain clean and sanitary premises to help protect public health, neighborhood quality of life, and community pride.

Violations may result in fines of up to $300.

Please take a moment to inspect your property and address any garbage, rubbish, or cleanliness concerns before an inspection occurs. Working together, we can keep Lawrence clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

Need information? Call ISD at 978 620-3130

08/08/2026

08/04/2026

The Lawrence Inspectional Services Team participating in the National Night Out Event at the Lawrence Common.

07/28/2026

Attention Lawrence food establishments with outdoor patio permits: please maintain a minimum 36-inch clear sidewalk path for wheelchair and handicap accessibility. Failure to comply may result in a $300 fine and revocation of your outdoor patio permit.

Atención a los establecimientos de comida en Lawrence con permiso de patio exterior: deben mantener un paso libre mínimo de 36 pulgadas en la acera para el acceso de sillas de ruedas y personas con discapacidades. El incumplimiento puede resultar en una multa de $300 y la revocación de su permiso de patio exterior.

07/28/2026

07/16/2026

A major multistate cyclospora parasite outbreak has sickened thousands of people across 34 U.S. states, with state and federal health agencies actively investigating the source.

As of July 16, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has logged 1,645 lab-confirmed domestic cases and is reviewing over 5,100 additional suspected reports.

The hardest-hit states are in the Midwest, specifically Michigan (reporting 4,312 state cases) and Ohio (reporting 1,192 state cases).

At least 141 people have been hospitalized nationwide, but no deaths have been reported.

What can be done to prevent the spread of Cyclospora infection?

General food safety recommendations can help prevent infection:

Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.

Thoroughly wash all fresh produce, including herbs, fruits, and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, and cooking.

Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.

Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.

Cook food to 158°F (70°C) or higher to kill Cyclospora Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).

It is important to be aware of the foods you eat that you did not peel/wash yourself, including fresh fruit or vegetables, as they may be contaminated with Cyclospora.

Cyclospora is a parasite that is so small it can only be seen under a microscope.

07/16/2026

Air Quality Advisory

Mayor Brian A. DePeña and the City of Lawrence would like to remind residents that smoke from the ongoing Canadian wildfires may affect air quality in our area over the next several days.

If smoke or hazy conditions are present, consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities and take extra precautions if you have a respiratory or heart condition.

If you work or spend extended time outdoors, take breaks when needed and pay attention to how you feel.

Please remember to protect your pets as well. Keep them indoors as much as possible, limit outdoor activity, and make sure they always have access to fresh water.

For the latest air quality updates and health guidance, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/wildfire-smoke-and-air-quality

Please stay informed and take the necessary precautions.

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Aviso sobre la Calidad del Aire

El alcalde Brian A. DePeña y la Ciudad de Lawrence desean recordar a los residentes que el humo de los incendios forestales en Canadá puede afectar la calidad del aire en nuestra área durante los próximos días.

Si hay humo o condiciones de neblina, considere limitar las actividades al aire libre por períodos prolongados y tome precauciones adicionales si tiene una condición respiratoria o del corazón.

Si trabaja o pasa mucho tiempo al aire libre, tome descansos cuando sea necesario y preste atención a cómo se siente.

No olvide proteger también a sus mascotas. Manténgalas dentro de la casa siempre que sea posible, limite el tiempo que pasan al aire libre y asegúrese de que siempre tengan acceso a agua fresca.

Para conocer las últimas actualizaciones sobre la calidad del aire y las recomendaciones de salud, visite la página web del Departamento de Salud Pública de Massachusetts:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/wildfire-smoke-and-air-quality

Por favor, manténgase informado y tome las precauciones necesarias.