Tuscaloosa council tables two demolition orders, gives owners 30 days to act

The Tuscaloosa City Council voted on Nov. 5 to table two demolition and condemnation orders and gave property owners 30 days to begin repairs or obtain required permits.

City staff presented the first order for 3113 Riggs Road, which was condemned on Aug. 21, 2025 and cited for 47 housing‑code violations. Staff said the owner had been contacted and that, if the structure is condemned and demolished, the demolition cost will be charged back to the owner. The owner’s brother, Floyd Wynn, told the council the owner lives in Texas and would “get someone to put [a roof] on” but had not yet started repairs. Councilmember Nguyen said he was willing to give the owner 30 days to pull permits and begin work. The motion to table the demolition for 30 days passed.

The council then considered a similar order for the structure at 3153 (recorded variably as Reeds Road/Bridal Road in the record). Staff said that property had 48 housing‑code violations and that the owner had been notified. Owner Carol Crowell appeared, gave her name and address, and told the council, “I will be trying to work on it in 30 days.” Council members moved, seconded and voted to table that demolition order for 30 days as well.

Both tablings mean staff will not immediately demolish the structures; the council signaled it expects progress within the 30‑day window and retains authority to proceed later. Staff repeatedly noted that if demolition occurs because owners do not make repairs, the city will assess demolition costs against the property owner.

What happens next: City staff will monitor permit pull and progress; if repairs are not begun within the 30‑day period the council may revisit the demolition orders and authorize demolition and cost recovery, per the condemnation notices presented at the hearing.