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City updates dilapidated‑structure process after Robinsons work; stop‑work order issued
Summary
City staff said dilapidated-structure enforcement will move to the planning department and reported a stop‑work order at the Robinsons property after work began without the required detailed plan; the homeowner later submitted a plan and staff identified required permits.
City staff reported to the Prattville City Council on Oct. 7 that the process for addressing dilapidated and unsafe structures is being moved from the police department to the planning department and that a stop‑work order had been issued earlier related to work at a property identified in an earlier agreement.
City attorney or staff presenter Andrew Odom (presenting the update) said the Robinsons had signed an agreement on July 3, 2025 that required submission of a detailed plan within 45 days (the deadline he said expired Aug. 18). Odom said staff repeatedly requested the plan; on Sept. 19 work was observed that appeared to include a fully framed addition, and staff issued a stop‑work order. Odom said the Robinsons complied with the stop‑work order. On Oct. 6 the Robinsons' attorney submitted a plan, which Odom said he immediately forwarded to the planning department. Based on that plan, staff anticipate the need for a building permit with a site plan, electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and possibly gas permits.
The mayor and councilors described a new dilapidated‑structure permit form to be handled by the planning department; staff said the building official will inspect reported structures to determine whether a structure is unsafe under state code and that owners would be offered a dilapidated permit allowing them to demolish the structure themselves or submit a plan for repair. The presenter named 113 Isom Street as a structure currently going through the refined process.
What this means: enforcement responsibilities and permitting for unsafe/dilapidated properties will be centralized in the planning department, with a formal form and process for owners to submit plans or pursue demolition. At least one stop‑work order was issued after staff observed unpermitted work contrary to an earlier agreement; the owner later submitted a plan and staff identified the permits required to continue work.
Key dates and actions: Robinsons agreement signed July 3, 2025 (45‑day plan due Aug. 18); staff observed unpermitted work and issued a stop‑work order on Sept. 19; owner submitted plan Oct. 6 and staff forwarded it to planning for permit review.
