AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Lawrence Township has been a leader among municipalities in the State of New Jersey in meeting (and exceeding) our affordable housing obligations under the law. The Affordable Housing Office is responsible for administering state and local laws pertaining to affordable housing within the Township. The Office provides support for residents of affordable units and acts as liaison to the Affordable Housing Committee. To that end, we have retained Piazza & Associates (piazzanj.com/affordable-housing) to assist us with the administrating, monitoring and compliance of our affordable housing program.  Piazza & Associates helps connect qualifying persons with low-income and moderate-income homes for sale and rent.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE OFFICE: The Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Office enforces ADA II across municipal operations. The office receives, investigates and resolves ADA complaints, Additionally, the Coordinator works with departments and community groups to educate staff, update policies and communicate right.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: The Department of Community Development is committed to preserving and promoting the vibrant culture of Lawrence Township by acting as a channel of communication between the municipality and the community it serves. Community Development executes the Communications Plan for the Town by disseminating information and resources to the public.

CONSTRUCTION CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION: The Construction Code Enforcement Division reviews all permit applications and Construction Plans submitted for new construction and alterations in accordance with the State Uniform Construction Code. (UCC) which includes Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire, Mechanical and Elevator plans. Inspect all residential and commercial buildings during phases of construction, investigate all structures that have been damaged and if they can be reoccupied safely, if not than how to close up buildings and temporary support such structures.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: The Office of Emergency Management is responsible for the supervision of all plans associated with natural and man-made disasters that may affect Lawrence Township and the supervision of all career and volunteer fire and EMS employees.  The Office works with the police department and assists them with fire and medical incident responses.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES: The Lawrence Township Emergency Medical Service is a dedicated organization operating a minimum of one staffed ambulance on 12-hour shifts, 24/7, and comprised of a career staff of professionals with the highest standards for quality and excellence. We are committed to providing dependable, professional emergency medical service to all residents and visitors of the Township of Lawrence and surrounding communities while exhibiting compassion and respect for human dignity.

ENGINEERING, PLANNING AND ZONING: The Engineering, Planning & Zoning Department provides review of development applications for the Planning and Zoning Boards, technical assistance to other departments, and general assistance in interpreting zoning requirements, guidelines and maps for the public. The Department implements the annual Capital Improvement Program, as authorized and funded by Council, by planning and prioritizing needs, obtaining grants for project funding, collecting information and preparing plans and specifications for the construction of various public projects. The Department also manages, supervises and inspects the construction of both public and private improvements within the Township. The tax maps, geographic information system, flood zone maps and general engineering records are maintained in the department. The Municipal Engineer also serves as the Zoning Officer and reviews all residential and commercial zoning permit applications.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT: The Finance Department includes the Office of Accounts and Control, the Tax Assessor's Office, and the Tax Collector's Office. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for compiling and monitoring the annual municipal budget, filing the Annual Debt Statement, the Annual Financial Statement, and coordinates and assists in preparing the Annual Municipal Audit. The Office of Accounts and Control maintains accounting records, invests municipal funds, calculates payroll and payroll deductions, and collects income and disbursement of obligations (Accounts Payable, School and County Levy's, Debt Service, Statutory Obligations). The Tax Assessor is responsible for the valuation of real and personal property in the Township for assessment and taxation purposes. The Tax Collector is responsible for the billing, collecting, and recording of all taxes and sewer fees levied upon all Township properties.

FIRE CAREER BRANCH: Lawrence Township employs 12 career firefighters, who presently operate from the Lawrenceville and Slackwood fire stations staffing three units (Rescue 20, Tower 20 and Engine 20). In addition to responding to all emergencies in the township requiring a fire department response, as well as responding to a variety of medical emergencies in support of our EMS Division, the career firefighters’ duties include the regular running and inspecting of fire apparatus, including exercising pumps and aerial ladders; exercising and refueling powered equipment such as saws, fans, and rescue tools; maintaining breathing apparatus components and oxygen cylinders; mounting equipment and hose on apparatus; and making minor repairs to apparatus and equipment.

FIRE MARSHAL: All fires occurring within the Township of Lawrence resulting in damage to property, death, serious injury or is considered suspicious in nature, is investigated by the Lawrence Township Fire Marshal's Office, interacting with the local Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office and other investigating agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT: The Lawrence Township Health Department provide public health services to the residents of this community. Under the mandates of the Public Health Practice Standards of Performance for Local Boards of Health and the ordinances and policies of the Board of Health, the Health Department promotes and protects the public's health by the use of disease prevention activities, health promotion and education, inspections and enforcement activities. The Health Department responds quickly and effectively to the ever-changing priorities of the public health field in order to meet the needs of the community.

HOUSING DEPARTMENT: The Housing Department is responsible for the inspection of single family dwellings for resale or rentals. Inspection of hotel/motel and multiple dwellings for state and local requirements.

MUNICIPAL CLERK: The Municipal Clerk serves as Secretary to the Township Council and is the custodian of all minutes, ordinances, resolutions, bonds, deeds and contracts. The Clerks office issues licenses for dogs, cats, alcoholic beverages (liquor), bingos and raffles, towing, car dealerships, as well as permits for public gatherings, peddler, solicitors and street openings.

MUNICIPAL COURT: The Municipal Court receives and files all complaints signed by law enforcement officers and private citizens for violations which occur within Lawrence Township. Types of cases include violations of state traffic laws, petty disorderly and disorderly persons offenses, and Township Ordinance violations.

MUNICIPAL MANAGER: The Township Manager is the chief executive and chief administrative officer of the Township government. Responsibilities of the Manager include the appointment and removal of Township personnel (except appointments made by Township Council pursuant to State law), the supervision of all departments of the Township government, the negotiation of contracts, the preparation of the budget, the management of municipal property and the coordination of departmental activities.

OFFICE ON AGING: The Lawrence Office on Aging/Senior Center offers a variety of programs, including exercise classes, health and wellness activities, educational talks, social events, recreation programs, intergenerational opportunities, and volunteer activities. In addition to daily programs and activities, the Office on Aging staff is available to provide general information and connect seniors with helpful community resources when needed. The Senior Center also serves as a County Nutrition site, offering hot lunches to registered seniors.

POLICE DEPARTMENT: The mission of the Lawrence Township Police Department is to improve the community by practicing problem-solving strategies against crime and quality of life issues. The Department is committed to conducting pro-active policing strategies to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our town. By developing partnerships within the community the Department is committed to improve the quality of life within Lawrence Township.

PUBLIC WORKS: The responsibilities of the Department of Public Works include maintaining municipal roadways and drainage systems, the issuance of road opening permits, snow removal, garbage collection, brush and yard waste collection, maintaining the township's recreational facilities and the care of the municipal buildings.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT: The Recreation Department plans activities, events and programs with the community in mind, hosting Community Day & Food Truck Festival, the Veterans Day Ceremony, the Memorial Day Parade, Independence Day Fireworks, the 9/11 Ceremony, the Valentine’s Day Candle Walk, Trunk or Treat, the Spring Egg Hunt, the Holiday Tree Lighting, and our Halloween and Holiday House Decorating Contests, along with many more traditions that unite neighbors, families, and friends. Beyond special events, we offer year-round recreation programs including youth wrestling, youth basketball, the youth swim team, swim lessons, adult walking club, fitness and exercise classes, and summer camps, along with many more opportunities for recreation and learning. We also operate open swim, lap swim, and swim lessons on evenings and weekends at the Lawrence High School pool.

TAX ASSESSOR: The Tax Assessor is responsible for establishing the value of all land and improvements within the township. This property valuation is the basis by which the cost of municipal, school and county services are apportioned. The Tax Assessor is also the keeper of certain public records including; assessments and property record cards. In addition, applications for tax deductions, exempt property and farmland assessments are processed in the office of the Tax Assessor.

TAX COLLECTOR: The Tax Collector is responsible for the billing and collection of all funds raised by taxation or assessed to property owners for county, school, and municipal purposes. The office also is responsible for the billing and collection of sewer user fees.

TOWNSHIP COUNCIL: Town Council is responsible for 3 major appointments in the Township; namely, the Municipal Manager, Municipal Clerk and Municipal Judge. Council also appoints residents to many positions on volunteer boards and committees. Council establishes local government policy and renders decisions on specific matters through ordinances and resolutions.