Birmingham Code section 11-8-8(c) prohibits weeds, shrubs, grass and other vegetable growth higher than ten inches on uncultivated lots, a stricter standard than the twelve-inch threshold Alabama Code section 11-67-60 sets for any municipality. The City's Code Enforcement Resource Guide also requires owners and occupants to keep yards free of 'vegetation overgrowth.'
Birmingham does have its own numeric grass-height ordinance: Code section 11-8-8(c) makes it unlawful for any owner or person in control of an uncultivated lot 'to fail to keep and maintain the same free from injurious, noxious or unsightly weeds, shrubs and other vegetable or grass growth higher than ten inches.' This is stricter than the state baseline in Code of Ala. 1975, section 11-67-60, which lets a municipality treat grass or weeds (other than ornamental plant growth) exceeding twelve inches as a nuisance. The City's Code Enforcement Resource Guide reinforces the duty: under 'Failure to maintain yards,' it states that 'Property owners/occupants must maintain yards, ditches, trenches and anything else connected to the property. Areas must be free of obstructions, vegetation overgrowth, and/or trash and debris.' Owners are also responsible for the right-of-way from the centerline of the street to the middle of the alley.
Section 11-8-8(e) sets minimum fines of $100 (first offense), $250 (second), and $500 (third within 12 months) plus court costs, with each day a separate offense. Uncorrected overgrowth is abated by City contractor at the owner's expense and prosecuted in Environmental Court (Wednesdays, 9 a.m.).
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Birmingham, AL
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