AL HB682

Applies only to Class 6 municipalities adopting the government form in Chapter 44D, Title 11, Code of Alabama 1975.

Declares overgrown grass or weeds exceeding 12 inches in height a public nuisance if they create health/safety hazards, fire threats, spread seeds causing respiratory irritation, hide debris, or are unsightly; excludes heavily wooded areas, farm properties, and properties under construction.

Requires city officials to provide written notice to property owners (in person or certified mail) giving 14-28 days to abate the nuisance or request a hearing before an administrative official to determine if a nuisance exists.

If owner fails to abate after notice, the municipality may cut the grass or weeds and assess actual expenses (wages, equipment, materials, advertising, postage) against the property as a lien, collected like municipal taxes with same penalties and foreclosure procedures.

Municipality must provide itemized expense statement at least 5 days before city council considers assessment; assessed costs are filed with probate judge and reported to Lee County Revenue Commissioner, who adds the lien amount to the property's ad valorem tax bill.