Bessemer, AL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Bessemer Code of Ordinances Sec. 114-19 declares weeds on private property that bear seeds of a wingy or downy nature, grow large enough to become a fire menace when dry, or are otherwise noxious or dangerous, a public nuisance subject to abatement. Abatement is not automatic: the director of public works must present a council resolution naming the specific property (Sec. 114-20), and the city council must vote to declare the nuisance by resolution (Sec. 114-21). The owner then gets certified mail notice at least 30 days before a hearing, plus two newspaper publications starting at least 14 days before the hearing, and the notice must list registered private contractors who perform weed removal, though the list is not a recommendation (Sec.

114-22). The director of public works must also post two signs on the property at least seven days before the hearing, each with lettering at least one inch tall, warning the owner that failing to object at least five days before the meeting waives the right to contest removal (Sec. 114-23). If the council finds a nuisance after the hearing, it can order city crews or a designated private contractor, exempt from competitive bidding, to remove the weeds, and the property owner retains the right to abate the nuisance personally before that work begins (Sec.

114-24, 114-25). 00 administrative fee (Sec. 114-27). Unpaid costs become a "weed lien" collected through the county tax collector alongside the property's regular ad valorem taxes (Sec. 114-28).