Hoover, AL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Triggers
- Dangerous, unsafe, or nuisance structure
- Vacancy trigger
- Boarded or vacant over 6 months
- City remedy
- Demolish and lien the property
- Governing section
- IPMC Section 113.1, 113.3
Summary
Hoover's property maintenance code lets the code official order demolition or repair of any structure that is dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary, vacant over six months, or otherwise a public nuisance.
The code official may order the owner of any structure which is:
(i)dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise unfit for human habitation or occupancy such that it is unreasonable to repair the structure;(ii)a public nuisance;(iii)vacant or abandoned for more than six (6) months; (iv)boarded up for more than six (6) months;(v)under construction where there has been a cessation of normal construction activity for a period of more than six (6) months; and/or(vi)in violation of the provisions of this code for more than six (6) months, to demolish and remove such structure (including, but not limited to, the removal of the concrete foundations and their components, porches, steps walkways, and curbs); or if such structure is capable of being made safe by repairs, to repair and make such structure safe and sanitary. Demolition of a structure may also proceed as allowed under the Code of Alabama (1975).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 113.1 of Hoover's amended International Property Maintenance Code, the code official may order the owner of a structure that is dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary, unfit for occupancy, a public nuisance, vacant or boarded up more than six months, or stalled in construction more than six months to demolish and remove it, including foundations, porches, and steps, or, if it can be made safe, to repair it. If the owner fails to comply with a demolition order, Section 113.3 lets the city carry out the demolition itself and place a lien on the property for the cost.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a demolition or repair order lets Hoover demolish the structure directly and place a lien on the property for the cost, under Section 113.3 of the amended Property Maintenance Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hoover force demolition of a dangerous building?
What happens if the owner doesn't comply with a demolition order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hoover
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How other cities in Jefferson County handle property blight.