Prichard can order property cleanup and charge owners for work

Prichard can declare covered conditions a public nuisance and order property owners to remove them. Weeds and discarded items can qualify on streets, sidewalks, or private property. Weeds must have winged or fluffy seeds or pose a danger; discarded items must pose fire, pest, or other dangers. Vehicle rules include trailers and campers with missing or nonworking mechanical parts. Vehicles must remain on private property in public view for at least 30 days, or a longer period set by the city council. Vehicle exemptions cover routine servicing or repairs, vehicle wrecking businesses, businesses storing and selling damaged or theft-recovered vehicles for insurers, and enclosed buildings that completely hide vehicles from neighboring properties. The law took effect June 1, 2026.

City officials must give owners written cleanup notices and let them request a hearing to challenge the order. Property owners can challenge cleanup orders at a public city hearing and then appeal to the Circuit Court of Mobile County. Owners receive notice in person or by first-class mail, and officials must post it on the property. A different official hears challenges. A finding that no nuisance exists cancels that notice. Court appeals require a bond to cover costs. A judge reviews only the hearing record, without a jury, and must accept findings supported by substantial evidence. Officials may allow up to 28 additional days for cleanup. A written hearing decision is due within five days after the hearing ends. If upheld, cleanup is due within 10 days after the decision, with up to 28 additional days allowed. Court appeals are due within 10 days after the hearing.

Prichard can enter property to perform overdue cleanup and charge owners costs approved after a city council hearing. Approved charges become a lien, a legal claim against the property. Buyers or people recovering property through the tax-sale process take it with that claim still attached. City cleanup must wait for the court's final decision if the owner appeals. Charges can include cleanup, administrative, and legal expenses. Owners can object at the cost hearing. The lien ranks behind mortgages and security interests recorded before it. It remains attached through a state tax sale or recovery of the property through the tax-sale process. Officials must mail an itemized cost notice at least five days before the city council's cost hearing.