Auburn, AL Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Sec. 15-16 abates weeds and other obnoxious conditions using the procedure set out in Code of Alabama 1975 §§ 11-67-90 through 11-67-95, which the city has incorporated into its code in full. Under § 11-67-91(a), an overgrowth of grass or weeds that exceeds 12 inches in height, other than ornamental plant growth, may be declared a public nuisance regardless of whether it also creates a fire hazard, harbors vermin, or is simply unsightly; the exemptions in § 11-67-91(b) cover only heavily wooded natural areas, farm properties, and properties currently under construction.

Once a city official designated by the city manager finds a nuisance, § 11-67-92 requires written notice in person or by first-class mail to the owner of record, plus posting on the property itself, giving the owner 14 days to abate, extendable to a maximum of 28 days at the enforcing official's discretion. An owner has five days to request a hearing before an administrative official to contest the finding, and an aggrieved owner can appeal that decision to circuit court within 10 days by filing notice and a cost bond.

If the owner still fails to cut the growth, § 11-67-93 lets the city do the work itself, or hire a contractor, then bill the owner for wages, equipment, advertising, postage, and materials; that itemized cost becomes a lien on the property once the city council adopts a resolution assessing it, and the county tax collector can add the lien to the property's ad valorem tax bill and collect it the same way as unpaid taxes.