City planning and code-enforcement staff presented detailed timelines covering inspections, certified notices, re-inspections, demolition quotes and council actions for three dilapidated-structure cases during the Dec. 2 Prattville City Council meeting.

Andrew Odom summarized events for 103 and 106 7th Street and 113 Isom Street, tracing actions from April 2024 through late 2025. Key specifics included inspection findings under the 2021 International Building Codes, certified-mail notices, a mix-up of violation records that restarted timelines, and multiple demolition quotes (initial quotes of $20,007.50, $18,600 and $17,000, with an award later reflected at $10,300 to 82 Auto Parts for demolition of accessory structures). Odom told the council that code enforcement had at times paused action when property owners retained counsel or when additional heirs needed notice and that the new dilapidated-structure permit process requires a contractor estimate with specific dates to request time extensions.

Councilors pressed staff on whether notices were sent to the correct heirs and questioned reliance on the tax-address-of-record as the statutory notice location. Councilor Jackson said the packet suggested certified mail went to only one surviving estate member while counsel and the property owner said other heirs existed and the recipient may not have lived at the listed address; Odom confirmed notice follows state code procedures and recommended publication when multiple heirs exist.

Councilors raised concerns that a new online application and shortened procedural windows might disadvantage elderly owners; multiple council members asked that staff provide clearer guidance and consider a public work session to walk through the new process. The council president asked staff to bring additional documentation and proposed solutions to the next meeting and assigned the facilities committee to review stabilization needs for a library building that staff estimated would require approximately $375,000–$400,000 in stabilization costs.

Councilors reiterated that while the council had authorized staff to take action on at least one address, they wanted staff to provide clarity on notice, timelines, and opportunities for owners to secure permits before the city proceeds with demolition or other enforcement steps.

The council directed staff to meet again with property owners where appropriate, compile correspondence showing notices and certified mail returns, and return with updated documentation and recommended next steps.