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Council orders demolition of two fire‑damaged, code‑violating residences
Summary
The council approved demolition orders for properties at 1308 Royal Oaks Court and 52020 Fifth Avenue East after staff reported dozens of housing‑code violations and prior condemnations.
The Tuscaloosa City Council ordered demolition of the main and accessory structures at two properties after staff presented housing‑code violations and prior condemnations.
City staff reported that 1308 Royal Oaks Court suffered a house fire on March 28, 2024, was condemned on March 13, 2025 and has 47 housing‑code violations. Staff told the council the owner was notified and that demolition costs would be charged back to the owner.
For 52020 Fifth Avenue East, staff reported the property was condemned on April 23, 2025 and has 49 housing‑code violations. The owner had pulled a permit for window and siding replacement but had not started repairs as of the meeting; staff said the owner had been contacted and was aware of the hearing.
City staff presented each case during public hearings. No one appeared at the meeting to represent either property, and no public speakers spoke for or against the demolitions. The clerk recorded votes ordering demolition in each case.
Mr. Williams (city staff): "This is for the condemnation of 1308 Royal Oaks Court. This had a house fire on 03/28/2024. It was condemned on 03/13/2025. The property has 47 housing code violations. The condemnation is for the main structure and all accessory structures."
Mr. Williams also said of Fifth Avenue East: "This property has 49 housing code violations. ... The owner has pulled a permit for windows and siding replacement, but has not started any repairs as of today. The owner has been contacted, is aware of this hearing, the owner is aware that if it's condemned and demolished, the cost of demolition will be charged back to the owner."
Discussion: Staff described the number of violations and prior condemnation dates; the council held public hearings and took votes without public comment. The transcript does not list specific code sections or dollar estimates for demolition costs.
Next steps: With demolition orders adopted, the city may proceed with demolition and charge costs to property owners per the city’s administrative process; the transcript did not include scheduling or contractor details.
