Frost Line Depth in Lawrence, Massachusetts
- Lawrence’s adopted code
- Checked Oct 2026
- Sources
Verified
48in
122 cm · 4 ft
Set in the building code Lawrence has adopted.
Source and how we checked
We searched this place’s own code and website and found no published frost line depth.
Climate: 124 nights a year at or below 32 °F (NOAA 1991–2020, Lawrence, 0.2 mi).
Checked Oct 2026. Report a correction
How deep is the frost line in Lawrence?
Lawrence's building authority sets the frost line depth at 48 in (122 cm). Footings, piers and other permanent supports must reach at least this depth (IRC R403.1.4.1).
Who sets the frost line depth in Lawrence?
Massachusetts sets frost line depth in its state code, and Lawrence’s own document lists the value above. Essex County uses the same 48 in, so the depth does not change at the city limits. See how Massachusetts sets frost line depth.
How deep do footings, decks and water lines need to be in Lawrence?
House or garage footing in Lawrence: dig at least 48 in (122 cm). Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R403.1.4).
| Project | Depth | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| House or garage footing | 48 in | Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R403.1.4) |
| Deck footing (attached) | 48 in | Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R507.3) |
| Water service line | 54 in | 6 in below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC P2603.5) |
| Fence post bottom | 48 in | No code rule; common practice is below the frost line |
Work out posts, concrete and footing sizes with the fence post depth calculator or the deck footing calculator.
How cold does it get in Lawrence?
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Average lows are at or below freezing from Dec to Mar. 124 nights a year reach 32 °F or colder; Jan is coldest, with an average low of 19.6 °F.
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Lawrence station, 0.2 mi away, elevation 50 ft.
Monthly temperatures as a table
| °F | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 19.6 | 21.4 | 29.7 | 40 | 49.8 | 59.2 | 64.8 | 63.8 | 56.3 | 44.4 | 34.8 | 26.2 |
| High | 35.1 | 37.3 | 44.9 | 57.2 | 68 | 77.3 | 82.9 | 81.4 | 74.2 | 61.8 | 50.8 | 40.6 |
Lawrence has fewer freezing nights than 23 of the 38 other Massachusetts places we track. The Massachusetts median is 130. Coldest: Berkshire County; mildest: Malden.
How likely is the soil in Lawrence to heave?
USDA rates the sampled soil around Lawrence as 1% low, 64% moderate, 35% high for frost action (main soils: Ridgebury, Montauk, Woodbridge).
USDA NRCS soil survey, 9 sample points within 2 mi. Higher frost action means more risk of heave; see frost heave.
How do you confirm the frost line before you dig in Lawrence?
Lawrence at a glance
- Frost line depth
- 48 in
- County
- Essex County
- Population (2023 est.)
- 88,172
- Mean annual temperature
- 50.9 °F
- ZIP codes (4)
- 01840 · 01841 · 01843 · 01844