LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS
MUNICIPAL CODE
____________
2000
Revised 2009
Revised 2010____________
A Codification of the General Ordinances of
the City of Lawrence, Massachusetts____________
PREFACE
This Code constitutes a complete republication of the general and permanent ordinances of the City of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Source materials used in the preparation of the Code were the 2000 Code, as supplemented through December 16, 2008, and ordinances subsequently adopted by the city council. The source of each section is included in the history note appearing in parentheses at the end thereof. The absence of such a note indicates that the section is new and was adopted for the first time with the adoption of the Code.
HOW TO USE YOUR CODE
This Code is organized to make the laws of the city as accessible as possible to city officials, city employees and private citizens. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with some of the important elements of this Code.
Numbering System
The numbering system is the backbone of a Code of Ordinances; Municipal Code Corporation uses a unique and versatile numbering structure that allows for easy expansion and amendment of this Code. It is based on three tiers, beginning with title, then chapter, and ending with section. Each part is represented in the code section number. For example, Section 2.04.010 is Section .010, in Chapter 2.04 of Title 2.
Title
A title is a broad category under which ordinances on a related subject are compiled. This Code contains about 15 to 20 titles. For example, the first title is Title 1, General Provisions, which may contain ordinances about the general penalty, code adoption and definitions. The titles in this Code are separated by tabbed divider pages for quick reference. Some titles are Reserved for later use.
Chapter
Chapters deal with more specific subjects, and are often derived from one ordinance. All of the chapters on a related subject are grouped in one title. The chapters are numbered so that new chapters which should logically be placed near certain existing chapters can be added at a later time without renumbering existing material. For example, Chapter 2.06, City Manager, can be added between 2.04, City Council, and Chapter 2.08, City Attorney.
Section
Each section of the Code contains substantive ordinance material. The sections are numbered by "tens" to allow for expansion of the Code without renumbering.
In parentheses following each section is a legislative history identifying the specific sources for the provisions of that section. This legislative history is complemented by the Code Comparative Table following the text of the Code, listing by number all ordinances, their subjects, and where they appear in the codification.
Beginning with the republication of this Code, a secondary ordinance history note will be appended to affected sections. New material added during or after the republication will include only one history note. Ordinance history notes will be amended with the most recent ordinance added to the end. These history notes can be cross referenced to the Code Comparative Table appearing at the back of the volume and preceding the index.
Page Numbering System
The page numbering system used in this Code is a prefix system. The letters to the left of the colon are an abbreviation which represents a certain portion of the volume. The number to the right of the colon represents the number of the page in that portion. In the case of a chapter of the Code, the number to the left of the colon indicates the number of the chapter. In the case of an appendix to the Code, the letter immediately to the left of the colon indicates the letter of the appendix. The following are typical parts of codes of ordinances, which may or may not appear in this Code at this time, and their corresponding prefixes:
CHARTER CHT:1 CHARTER COMPARATIVE TABLE CHTCT:1 CODE CD1:1 CODE APPENDIX CDA:1 CODE COMPARATIVE TABLES CCT:1 STATE LAW REFERENCE TABLE SLT:1 CHARTER INDEX CHTi:1 CODE INDEX CDi:1 When originally published, the pages of this Code were consecutively numbered. Beginning with the republication, when new pages are inserted with amendments, the pages will follow a "Point Numbering System". (Example: CD1:32, 32.1, 32.2, 32.2.1, 32.2.2., 33). Backs of pages that are blank will be left unnumbered but the number will be "reserved" for later use.
Looseleaf Supplements
A special feature of this publication is the looseleaf system of binding and supplemental servicing of the publication. With this system, the publication will be kept up to date. Subsequent amendatory legislation will be properly edited, and the affected page or pages will be reprinted. These new pages will be distributed to holders of copies of the publication, with instructions for the manner of inserting the new pages and deleting the obsolete pages.
Keeping this publication up to date at all times will depend largely upon the holder of the publication. As revised pages are received, it will then become the responsibility of the holder to have the amendments inserted according to the attached instructions. It is strongly recommended by the publisher that all such amendments be inserted immediately upon receipt to avoid misplacing them and, in addition, that all deleted pages be saved and filed for historical reference purposes.
Statutory References
The statutory references direct the Code user to those portions of the state statutes that are applicable to the laws of the municipality. As the statutes are revised, these references will be updated.
Cross-Reference Table
When a Code is based on an earlier codification, the cross-reference table will help users find older or "prior" code references in the new code. The cross-reference table is located near the end of the Code, under the tabbed divider "Tables." This table lists the prior code section in the column labeled "Prior Code Section" and the new Code section in the column labeled "Herein."
Beginning with the republication of the Code, this table will no longer be updated.
Ordinance List and Disposition Table
To find a specific ordinance in the Code, turn to the section called "Tables" for the Ordinance List and Disposition Table. This very useful table tells you the status of every ordinance reviewed for inclusion in the Code. The table is organized by ordinance number and provides a brief description and the disposition of the ordinance. If the ordinance is codified, the chapter (or chapters) will be indicated. (Example: (2.04, 6.12, 9.04).) If the ordinance is of a temporary nature or deals with subjects not normally codified, such as budgets, taxes, annexations or rezones, the disposition will be "(Special)." If the ordinance is for some reason omitted from the Code, usually at the direction of the municipality, the disposition will be "(Not codified)." Other dispositions sometimes used are "(Tabled)," "(Pending)," "(Number Not Used)" or "(Missing)."
Beginning with this republication, this table will be replaced with the "Code Comparative Table."
Code Comparative Table
Beginning with this republication, a Code Comparative Table has been added for use in tracking legislative history. Located in the back of this volume, this table is a chronological listing of each ordinance considered for codification. The Code Comparative Table specifies the ordinance number, adoption date, and the disposition within the Code of each ordinance. Using the Code Comparative Table, the reader can locate any section of the Code as supplemented, and any subsequent ordinance included herein.
Index.
If you are not certain where to look for a particular subject in this Code, start with the index. This is an alphabetical multi-tier subject index which uses section numbers as the reference, and cross-references where necessary. Look for the main heading of the subject you need, then the appropriate subheadings:
BUSINESS LICENSE
See also BUSINESS TAX
Fee 5.04.030
Required when 5.04.010The index will be updated as necessary when the Code text is amended.
Instruction Sheet
Each supplement to the new Code will be accompanied by an Instruction Sheet. The Instruction Sheet will tell the Code user the date of the most recent supplement and the last ordinance contained in that supplement. It will then list the pages that must be pulled from the Code and the new pages that must be inserted. Following these instructions carefully will assure that the Code is kept accurate and current. Removed pages should be kept for future reference.
Electronic Submission
In the interests of accuracy and speed, we encourage you to submit your ordinances electronically if at all possible. We can accept most any file format, including Word, WordPerfect or text files. If you have a choice, we prefer Word, any version. You can send files to us as an e-mail attachment, by FTP, on a diskette or CD-ROM. Electronic files enable us not only to get you your Code more quickly but also ensure that it is error-free. Our e-mail address is: ords@municode.com .
For hard copy, send two copies of all ordinances passed to:
Municipal Code Corporation
P.O. Box 2235
Tallahassee, FL 32316Customer Service
If you have any questions about this Code or our services, please contact Municipal Code Corporation at 1-800-262-2633 or:
Municipal Code Corporation
1700 Capital Circle SW
Tallahassee, FL 32310Acknowledgments
This publication was under the direct supervision of Kathleen M. Grobe, Supplement Editor of the Municipal Code Corporation, Tallahassee, Florida. Credit is gratefully given to the other members of the publisher's staff for their sincere interest and able assistance throughout the project.
The publisher is most grateful to Mr. William Maloney, City Clerk, and the other members of the city staff for their cooperation and assistance during the progress of the work on this publication. It is hoped that their efforts and those of the publisher have resulted in a Code of Ordinances which will make the active law of the City of Lawrence readily accessible to all citizens and which will be a valuable tool in the day-to-day administration of the city's affairs.
CITY OFFICIALS 2000
Mayor:
Patricia A. Dowling
City Council Members: Councillor at Large Francis J. Kivell, President Councillor at Large Marcos A. Devers, Vice President Councillor at Large Michael J. Sullivan District A Patrick J. Blanchette District B Julia Silverio District C Nilka I. Alvarez District D Marc L. LaPlante District E Gilbert K. Frechette District F Marilda Gosselin City Clerk: James McGravey Police Chief: John J. Romero City Attorney: Carol Hajjar McGravey Fire Chief: Richard E. Shaefer Public Works Director Raymond E. DiFiore Commissioner of Inspectional Services: Louise A. Ferris Personnel Director: Lawrence P. Lefebre Director of Planning and Development: William E. Luster Budget and Finance Director: Carl A. Prussing Comptroller: Richard F. Gosselin Tax Collector/Treasurer: Patricia M. Cook Chairman, Board of Assessors: Joseph S. Giuffrida Purchasing Agent: William J. Kannan CITY OFFICIALS
2009Mayor
Michael J. Sullivan
City Council Members: Councillor at Large Frank A. Moran Councillor at Large Nilka I. Alvarez-Rodriguez Councillor at Large Roger A. Twomey District A Patrick J. Blanchette, Council President District B Grisel Silva District C Jorge A. Gonzalez District D Nicholas J. Kolofoles, Council Vice President District E David C. Abdoo District F Michael P. Fielding City Clerk/Election Department William J. Maloney, Esq. Police Chief John J. Romero City Attorney Charles Boddy, Esq. Fire Chief Peter Takvorian Public Works Director Frank McCann Commissioner of Inspectional Services Myles Burke Personnel Director Anne Randazzo, Esq. (Acting) Planning Director Michael Sweeney, Esq. Budget and Finance Director Mark Andrews Comptroller David Camasso City Treasurer/Tax Collector Patricia M. Cook Chairman of the Board of Assessors Alex Vega Chief of Staff Nora Carroll Director of Community Development James Barnes Council on Aging Director Bernard J. Reilly Director of Economic Development Thomas Schiavone Information Technology Department Bryan Cahoon Airport Director Michael Miller, Esq. Library Director Maureen Nimmo Licensing Commissioner Richard Fielding Purchasing Department Director Carolyn Traficanti Recreation Department Director Linda Schiavone Superintendent of Schools Wilfredo T. Laboy Director of Veteran Affairs Francisco Urena CITY OFFICIALS;eol;2010
CITY OFFICIALS;eol;201>Mayor William Lantigua City Council Members: Councillor at Large Frank Moran, Council President Councillor at Large Roger Twomey Councillor at Large Daniel Rivera District A Sandy Almonte District B Grisel Silva, Council Vice President District C Modesto Maldonado District D Oneida Aquino District E Eileen O'Connor Bernal District F Marc Laplante City Clerk/Election Division William J. Maloney, Esq. Police Chief John J. Romero City Attorney Charles Boddy, Esq. Fire Chief Brian Murphy (Acting) Public Works Director John Isensee (Acting) Commissioner of Inspectional Services Peter Blanchette (Acting) Personnel Director Frank Bonet Planning Director Unfilled Budget and Finance Director Unfilled Comptroller David Camasso City Treasurer/Tax Collector Patricia M. Cook Chairman of the Board of Assessors Breda Daou Chief of Staff Leonard Degnan Director of Community Development James Barnes Council on Aging Director Martha Velez Director of Economic Development Patrick J. Blanchette Information Technology Department Unfilled Airport Director Michael Miller, Esq. Library Director Maureen Nimmo Licensing Commissioner Richard Fielding Purchasing Department Director Walter H. Callahan (Acting) Recreation Department Director Unfilled Superintendent of Schools Mary Lou Bergeron (Acting) Director of Veteran Affairs Francisco Urena CITY OFFICIALS;eol;2012
CITY OFFICIALS;eol;201>Mayor William Lantigua City Council Members: Councillor at Large Frank Moran, Council President Councillor at Large Daniel Rivera, Council Vice President Councillor at Large Roger Twomey District A Sandy Almonte District B Estela Reyes District C Kendrys Vasquez District D Oneida Aquino District E Eileen O'Connor Bernal District F Marc Laplante City Clerk/Election Division William J. Maloney, Esq. Police Chief John J. Romero City Attorney Charles Boddy, Esq. Fire Chief Jack Bergeron Public Works Director (Acting) John Isensee Commissioner of Inspectional Services/Agent to the Board of Health Peter Blanchette Personnel Director Frank Bonet Planning Director Unfilled Finance Director Mark Ianello Comptroller David Camasso City Treasurer/Tax Collector Mark Ianello Chairman of the Board of Assessors Breda Daou Chief of Staff Ronald Bell Director of Community Development James Barnes Council on Aging Director Martha Velez Chief Economic Development Director Patrick J. Blanchette Information Technology Department Rob Harhen Airport Director Michael Miller, Esq. Library Director Maureen Nimmo Licensing Commissioner Richard Fielding Purchasing Department Director Rita Brousseau Recreation Department Program Coordinator Nelson Ortiz Superintendent of Schools (Receiver) Jeffrey Riley Director of Veteran Affairs Jaime Melendez CITY OFFICIALS
2014Mayor Daniel Rivera City Council Members: Councillor at Large Modesto Maldonado, Council President Councillor at Large Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez, Council Vice President Councillor at Large Roger Twomey District A Sandy Almonte District B Estela Reyes District C Kendrys Vasquez District D Oneida Aquino District E Eileen O'Connor Bernal District F Marc Laplante City Clerk/Election Division William J. Maloney, Esq. Police Chief (Acting) James Fitzpatrick City Attorney Charles Boddy, Esq. Fire Chief (Acting) John Marsh Public Works Director John Isensee Commissioner of Inspectional Services/Agent to the Board of Health Peter Blanchette Personnel Director Frank Bonet Planning Director Theresa Park Water/Sewer Commissioner Brian Pena Finance Director Mark Ianello City Treasurer/Tax Collector Mark Ianello Comptroller Unfilled Chairman of the Board of Assessors Alecy Vega Chief of Staff Lisa Torrisi Director of Community Development James Barnes Council on Aging Director Martha Velez Business Development Director Abel Vargas Information Technology Department Rob Harhen Airport Director Michael Miller, Esq. Library Director Maureen Nimmo Licensing Commission Chairman Pedro Torres Purchasing Department Director Rita Brousseau Recreation Department Program Coordinator Nelson Ortiz Superintendent of Schools (Receiver) Jeffrey Riley Director of Veteran Affairs Jaime Melendez CITY OFFICIALS
2016Mayor Daniel Rivera City Council Members: Councillor at Large Modesto Maldonado Councillor at Large Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez Councillor at Large Brian De Peña District A Sandy Almonte District B Estela Reyes District C Kendrys Vasquez, Council President District D Jeovanny A. Rodriguez District E David C. Abdoo District F Marc Laplante, Council Vice President City Clerk William J. Maloney, Esq. Election Division Senior Clerk Richard Reyes Police Chief James Fitzpatrick City Attorney Charles Boddy, Esq. Fire Chief (Acting) John Marsh Public Works Director John Isensee Inspectional Services Director Pat Ruiz Personnel Director Frank Bonet Planning Director Theresa Park Water/Sewer Commissioner Brian Peña Finance Director Mark Ianello City Treasurer/Tax Collector Vivian Haydar Comptroller Unfilled Chairman of the Board of Assessors Alexcy Vega Chief of Staff Eileen O'Connor Bernal Director of Community Development James Barnes Council on Aging Director Martha Velez Business & Economic Development Director Abel Vargas Information Technology Department Rob Harhen Airport Director Michael P. Miller, Esq. Library Director Maureen Nimmo Licensing Board Chair (Acting) Pedro Torres Purchasing Department Director Rita V. Brousseau Recreation Department Program Coordinator Nelson Ortiz Superintendent of Schools (Receiver) Jeffrey C. Riley Director of Veterans' Services Jaime Melendez CITY OF LAWRENCE, MA ELECTED OFFICIALS AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Updated 6/14/2017TITLE/POSITION NAME Mayor Daniel Rivera Chief of Staff Eileen O'Connor Bernal, Esq.
CITY COUNCIL
Councilor at Large Modesto Maldonado Councilor at Large Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez Councilor at Large Brian DePena Councilor District A Myra Ortiz Councilor District B Estela Reyes Councilor District C - Council President Kendrys Vasquez Councilor District D Jeovanny Rodriguez Councilor District E David Abdoo Councilor District F - Council Vice President Marc Laplante City Council Confidential Secretary Teresa Natareno
LAWRENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT - LAWRENCE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Lawrence Public School Superintendent/Receiver Jeffrey Riley Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mary Lou Bergeron School Committee Chair Mayor Daniel Rivera (Ex-Officio) School Committee Member - District A Emmanual Castaneda School Committee Member - District B Francisco Paulino School Committee Member - District C Pavel Payano School Committee Member - District D Marianela Rivera School Committee Member - District E Patricia Mariano School Committee Member - District F Joe Robles
GREATER LAWRENCE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Greater Lawrence Technical School Superintendent John Lavoie Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee Leo Lamontagne Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee Angel Garcia Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee Gary Mannion
CITY OF LAWRENCE DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFICIALS
City Clerk William J. Maloney, Esq. City Attorney Charles Boddy, Esq. Police Chief James Fitzpatrick Fire Chief Brian Moriarty Veteran Affairs Director Jaime Melendez Public Works Director Carlos Jacques Engineer Milagros Puello Inspectional Services Department Head Peter Blanchette Building Commissioner Peter Blanchette Personnel Director Frank Bonet Planning Director Theresa Park Chief Economic Development Director Abel Vargas Community Development Director (Acting) Susan Fink Finance Director Mark Ianello Treasurer/Collector Kelly Oakes Comptroller Ramona Ceballos Purchasing Department Director Rita Brousseau Assessor (Chief Assessor and Board Chair) Alecy Vega Council on Aging Director Martha Velez Information Technology Director (Acting) Luis Santiago Airport Director Michael Miller, Esq. Library Director (Acting) Kemal Bozkurt Recreation Director (Acting) Nelson Ortiz