Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
City leaders are reviewing and refining Prattville’s code enforcement notification process in an effort to improve communication with residents while maintaining community standards.
During the June 16 Prattville City Council meeting, Mayor Bill Gillespie addressed the city’s current procedures for handling garbage, rubbish, and other code enforcement violations, announcing several measures aimed at increasing awareness among property owners before enforcement actions advance.
The City of Prattville’s Code Enforcement Unit, which operates under the Prattville Police Department, is responsible for enforcing city ordinances related to property maintenance, nuisance abatement, vehicle parking violations, and overgrown lots. The unit works to address conditions that may pose a threat to the safety and welfare of residents.
Under the city’s existing process, code enforcement officers identify potential violations either through citizen complaints or direct observation. Property owners are then issued written notice and typically given 10 days to correct the issue under the city’s nuisance ordinance.
If violations remain unresolved, code enforcement may conduct follow-up inspections and, when necessary, request that the matter be placed on a City Council agenda for a public hearing. The council then reviews the evidence and determines whether a public nuisance exists and what action should be taken.
Mayor Gillespie said city officials have been evaluating ways to strengthen communication throughout that process.
“I would like to address our code enforcement process for garbage and rubbish violations,” Gillespie said. “I have met with our city attorney and Chief Thompson to review our current orders and procedures. As part of this review, we are evaluating changes to the handling of notifications to improve communication with our residents.”
One proposed change would add another layer of notification for certain violations through the use of yard signs placed on affected properties.
“One enhancement will be implementing an additional signage notification, placing a yard sign on the property, similar to the signs currently used for overgrown lots,” Gillespie said.
He noted that state law already requires signage to be posted on overgrown lots and said the additional signs would provide another opportunity for residents to become aware of potential violations before further action is taken.
“The purpose of this added measure is to better inform our citizens, increase awareness, and to provide another opportunity for property owners and residents to identify potential violations before further action is taken,” Gillespie said.
The city has also recently implemented an early notification process for elected officials. Under that procedure, district council members are notified when code enforcement identifies potential ordinance violations within their districts before those cases come before the council for consideration.
Gillespie said staff members have already begun providing council members with photographs and information regarding potential violations.
“Our goal is to ensure the process is fair, consistent, and easy to understand while maintaining the standards that help protect the health, safety, and appearance of our community,” Gillespie said.
Residents who wish to report potential nuisance violations can do so through the City of Prattville’s online Citizen Portal, which allows users to submit work orders directly to city departments. Registration is required so submissions can be tracked.
Citizens can also contact the Prattville Code Enforcement Unit directly at 334-595-0208 or by email at [email protected].
