Property Maintenance in Jefferson County, AL (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
Jefferson County declares a building "unsafe" under Section 103.5.1 if it lacks adequate egress, is a fire hazard, or threatens safety through dilapidation, obsolescence or abandonment, and requires the owner to repair or demolish it. Under Section 103.6 (Alabama Act No. 91-193), a building unsafe to the point of public nuisance can be demolished by the county itself after 60 days' notice, billed to the owner.
Jefferson County Unsafe Building Abatement
Significant RestrictionsJefferson County, AL Building Code §§ 103.5.1–103.6
103.5.1 All buildings or structures which are unsafe or not provided with adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, or abandonment are severally in contemplation of this section, unsafe buildings. All su...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Jefferson County's Weed and Litter Ordinance requires anyone in charge of a lot in the unincorporated county to keep it free of unsightly weeds whenever the parcel is not under active cultivation. The county treats any growth over 12 inches as unsightly by definition, whether the lot is empty, between owners, or simply undeveloped, and Code Enforcement can file a criminal complaint for noncompliance.
Vacant Lot Weed Rules in Jefferson County, AL
Some RestrictionsJefferson County, AL, Weed and Litter Ordinance § 1.30(A)
It shall be unlawful for any owner, proprietor, tenant or other person in charge or control of any lot, place or premises that lies within the unincorporated area of Jefferson County when such lot, place or premises are not under cultivation for useful and productive purposes, to fail to keep and maintain the same free from injurious, noxious of unsightly weeds. Weeds higher than 12" are hereby...
Property Maintenance by City in Jefferson County
3 cities in Jefferson County have their own property maintenance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Jefferson County ordinances
See every category we cover for Jefferson County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Jefferson County Ordinance Hub →