Prattville considers new notices for code enforcement violations

Prattville officials are looking at a small but important fix in code enforcement: making sure residents know exactly what property is at issue before a violation turns into a fine, a removal bill or a public hearing. The change under discussion would add another layer of notice in some cases, including yard signs, after residents said they were surprised by how enforcement played out.

Mayor Bill Gillespie said at the June 16 Prattville City Council meeting that the city has been reviewing how notices are handled in garbage, rubbish, nuisance and other ordinance cases. Under the current process, code enforcement officers can identify problems from citizen complaints or by seeing them directly. Property owners then receive written notice and usually have 10 days to correct the issue before the case can move further.

If the problem is not fixed, the city may inspect again and eventually place the matter before the council for a public hearing. At that point, the council decides whether a public nuisance exists and what action should follow. The city’s Code Enforcement unit is part of the Prattville Police Department and handles weeded lots, abandoned vehicles, animal control, rubbish and garbage, stagnant pools and illegal signs.

The push for clearer notice intensified after several residents came to the council on June 3 and said code enforcement officers or contractor crews had removed property without what they considered proper warning, then billed them for the work. Lori Herring, a Prattville resident and board member of Eagle Forum of Alabama, said she received a $560 bill after items were taken from her porch and backyard. She said the notice she got was about a car in her driveway, not the porch items, and said the porch and fenced backyard were not visible from the front of the house.

That complaint goes to the heart of the city’s proposed change. A yard sign, similar to the signs already used for overgrown lots, could make it clearer which part of a property is cited, especially when the issue is in a fenced backyard or on a porch that cannot be seen from the street. Gillespie also said the city has started an early-notification process for elected officials so district council members are alerted when violations are identified before those cases reach the council.

Prattville’s nuisance ordinance, adopted April 2, 2024, says it is unlawful to keep litter, garbage, rubbish, waste or offensive material in a way that is offensive or dangerous to health. It also allows the code-enforcement officer or designee to inspect premises, except for neatly stacked materials being used in an active construction, remodeling or rebuilding project. Under city code, violations that continue can count as separate offenses each day, and penalties can reach $500 and up to six months in jail or hard labor, depending on the offense. Continuous violations may also be abated through injunctive or other equitable relief.

The City Clerk’s office posts council agenda packets and public hearing packets on Mondays by 5 p.m. before scheduled meetings, and the council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in City Hall council chambers at 101 West Main Street.