Lowell City’s Biomedical Subcommittee voted unanimously Nov. 25 to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) requirements into land‑use and permitting applications where applicable, after a public presentation and a period of member discussion.

Jim Joyce, a member of the Woburn Conservation Commission and president of the nonprofit Friends of Horn Pond, told the subcommittee that municipalities benefit from clear IPM plans. He read model language the group uses in orders and permit conditions: “Prior to work, the applicant shall create an integrated pest management plan to be administered by a Massachusetts licensed pesticide applicator,” and the plan should include “objectives, targeted species, action thresholds for all pests, product types, active ingredients, EPA registration numbers, rationale for use, [and] method of applications.” Joyce said anticoagulant rodenticides should be allowed only after nonchemical and non‑anticoagulant options have failed to meet plan objectives.

A citizen, Eric Getcher, urged Lowell to adopt an ordinance, noting schools adopted mandatory IPM programs around 2000 and builders ‘‘had no problem’’ complying. Council members cited recent neighborhood complaints tied to construction activity and said early, permit‑stage requirements are critical. “Anytime ground is gonna be broken … there’s no shovel in the ground until this is in place,” Councilor Robinson said during debate, arguing implementation must occur before disruptive work begins.

City staff said current permitting often asks for IPM information but the requirement is not yet formalized in application packets. A Development and Planning Department staff member told the subcommittee that DPD can work with the law department and building services to draft language that would apply both to projects reviewed by land‑use boards and to projects that move forward by right.

Councilor Yim moved to “incorporate the IPM into the land use and permitting application where applicable.” Councilor Robinson seconded. The subcommittee recorded a roll call of three yes votes and carried the motion. Members asked staff to return with draft language for further review; Joyce agreed to come back to discuss the draft.

The subcommittee did not adopt an ordinance text at the meeting; the approved motion directs city staff to prepare draft implementing language and return it to the council for consideration.