HB344 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

To amend Section 2 of Act 634 of the 1951 Regular Session (Acts 1951, p. 1089), as amended by Act 630 of the 1967 Regular Session (Acts 1967, p. 1435), relating to zoning regulations

Summary

HB344 strengthens zoning enforcement in unincorporated areas of large Alabama counties by updating penalties and giving county Building Commissioners new enforcement tools.

What This Bill Does

It makes violations of county zoning regulations unlawful and sets penalties. Violators face a Class B misdemeanor with a fine up to $100, up to 10 days in jail, or both, and each day of continued violation counts as a separate offense. Before criminal prosecution, the County Building Commissioner or their agent must issue a written cease-and-desist notice. The Building Commissioner may seek injunctions and other remedies to stop unlawful construction or use and may intervene in related lawsuits, becoming an original party to the proceedings. The act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Property owners, developers, or occupants in unincorporated areas of counties with 400,000+ population who must comply with zoning regulations; noncompliance could result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and possible jail time, with daily offenses counted separately.
• County Building Commissioner and the county building department, who gain authority to issue notices, pursue injunctions, and participate as a party in legal actions to enforce zoning regulations.

Key Provisions

• Unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, maintain, use, or occupy any building or land in violation of county zoning regulations or amendments enacted by the county governing body in unincorporated areas of counties with 400,000+ population.
• Violations are Class B misdemeanors with fines up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
• Before criminal prosecution, the County Building Commissioner or their agent must issue a written cease-and-desist notice to the violator.
• The Building Commissioner may seek injunctive relief or other remedies and may intervene in related actions, becoming an original party to the proceedings.
• The act takes effect immediately after the governor signs it.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Counties 400,000 or more (Jefferson County), zoning violations in unincorporated areas, penalties