HB437 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ontario J. TillmanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Class 1 municipalities, (Birmingham), vacant property registration ordinance, city council may adopt, fees, liens for noncompliance

Summary

HB437 would let Class 1 Alabama cities, like Birmingham, set up a vacant property registration program with a database, registration fees, and liens to promote maintenance and occupancy of vacant buildings.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes a Class 1 municipality to adopt a vacant property registration ordinance, create a citywide database, and appoint a program administrator to run the program. It requires owners of vacant properties to register within specified timeframes and may charge registration fees, with possible additional fees; it also allows liens on the property for unpaid fees or fines. The ordinance can include exemptions and may authorize inspections, fines, and enforcement actions. If the property is no longer vacant, it can be removed from the database, and owners must follow a plan to restore and occupy the property; there are provisions for notices, appeals, and in-state agent requirements for owners living outside the state. The act would become effective October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Property owners who own vacant residential or commercial properties within a Class 1 municipality, as they would be required to register the property, may owe registration and possible supplemental fees, and could face liens or fines for noncompliance.
• Municipalities (city councils and program administrators) in Class 1 municipalities, who would implement, oversee, and enforce the vacant property registration ordinance, manage the database, assess fees, and pursue collection and liens.

Key Provisions

• Allows a Class 1 municipality to adopt and enforce a vacant property registration ordinance.
• Creates a citywide vacant property registration database and designates a program administrator.
• Requires registration within 30 days after vacancy or ownership transfer (or 10 days after notice), with paper or electronic forms and specific owner/agent and property information.
• Sets initial registration fees up to $250 per year for residential properties and up to $1,000 per year for commercial properties; allows supplemental fees up to double the initial amount, with a maximum of 10 times the initial fee; fees may be prorated if the property ceases to be vacant.
• Provides exemptions and waivers (e.g., seasonal residence, property under construction/renovation, fire/damage with intent to repair, pending legal proceedings, good-cause waivers) and allows extensions for compelling circumstances.
• Allows fines and civil actions to collect fees; unpaid amounts become a lien on the property after notice filed in the probate office, with liens generally superior to other liens except certain tax liens.
• Requires property to be secured and maintained to minimum standards; owner pays costs of repairs, demolition, and maintenance, which may be recoverable as a lien or through other lawful means.
• Authorizes inspections of vacant properties by the program administrator and allows ongoing inspection at yearly intervals to protect health and safety.
• If the owner lives outside Alabama, requires an in-state agent to accept service and notices and to be designated as the responsible party for notifications.
• Property will be removed from the database when it is no longer vacant, and subsequent owners assume the previous owner’s obligations.
• Effective date: October 1, 2024.

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

Subjects

Jefferson County