The Township recently engaged the services of Piazza & Associates, Inc. to assist in implementing the affordable housing program in the community. The Township of Lawrence is an active participant in providing Affordable Housing (also known as Mount Laurel housing). The Township's affordable housing program is targeted to both purchasers and renters.

The Animal Control Office responds to citizen complaints concerning domestic animals and wildlife, investigates animal bites and animal cruelty cases, coordinates free rabies clinics twice annually to coincide with the licensing periods for dogs and cats, and enforces state and local Animal Control Laws. The Office assists with abandoned, young wildlife, sick, injured or aggressive animals. Animal Control attempts to reunite recovered domestic animals with their owners.

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 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.

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.

The Division of Finance 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The police department is comprised of sworn officers and civilian employees dedicated to achieving the mission and vision of the department while displaying the core values of the department. It is comprised of a command staff and two divisions with bureaus serving the specialized needs of the community.

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.

Lawrence Township Recreation Department Bringing our community together year-round. From holiday celebrations to family fun days and programs for all ages, we are here for everyone in Lawrence Township. Every event and program is designed with the community in mind. We proudly host 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. The Anne Demarais Nature Center is proudly managed by the Recreation Department, and we continue to invest in parks and playground improvements across the township. We also collaborate with local youth organizations to support community programs and strengthen recreational opportunities. Our programs are designed for children, teens, adults, and seniors, creating opportunities to connect, grow, and belong. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we invite you to be part of it.

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.

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.

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.