Dothan, AL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 106-32 sets out five independent ways a lot can become an 'overgrown lot or parcel' nuisance, and only the last one is height-based: growth that breeds rats, mice, snakes, mosquitoes or other vermin; growth dry enough to be a serious fire hazard regardless of height; growth bearing windy or downy seeds that spread weeds and irritate the throat, lungs or eyes when breathed, regardless of height; growth capable of hiding broken glass, metal or other debris that could injure someone, regardless of height; or simply grass, shrubs or other non-ornamental undergrowth exceeding 12 inches.

So a lawn can violate the ordinance the moment it passes 12 inches, with no fire, pest or debris finding required. Exemptions are narrow: heavily wooded or natural-state land, property under active construction, and farmland exceeding five acres, though even exempt farmland not under cultivation must keep a 100-foot buffer along abutting residential or business property lines mowed. Enforcement mirrors the rest of the weed-control article: an enforcing official designated by the city manager gives the last-assessed taxpayer written notice, by hand delivery or first-class mail, describing the violation and posts a copy on the property, with ten days to cut (extendable to a maximum of 28 days) under § 106-33.

The owner may request a hearing before an administrative official within five days, who must rule within five days of the hearing, with further appeal to circuit court within ten days (§ 106-34). If the growth isn't cut, the city or its contractor, hired without competitive bidding under Code of Ala. 1975 § 11-67-25, may mow it and record all labor, equipment, advertising, postage and legal costs as a weed lien added to the county ad valorem tax bill, subordinate to earlier recorded mortgages (§ 106-35). Failing to abate within the notice period can also trigger separate criminal prosecution.