Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Condemnation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tuscaloosa council grants 90-day reprieves to owners of condemned properties
Summary
The Tuscaloosa City Council granted 90-day extensions to owners of multiple condemned structures — including two buildings at 1721 1216th Avenue East and a structure at 30 Eastwood — allowing time for repairs after inspectors identified housing-code violations; staff clarified the 50% assessed-value rule for nonconforming structures.
The Tuscaloosa City Council on June 2 granted property owners short reprieves in three condemnation cases while inspectors monitor repairs.
At a public hearing the council considered demolition orders for two structures on the lot referenced as 1721 1216th Avenue East, both of which city staff said were condemned on March 10, 2026 and associated with 48 housing-code violations. Property owner Joy Tombbora told the council she had pulled permits and intended to make repairs but was surprised by the condemnation notice. "I pulled the permit ... I have 180 days. I can figure this out," Tombbora said.
Council and staff described the limits on rebuilding for nonconforming structures. Mr. Williams explained that if renovations exceed 50% of assessed value, the property's nonconforming status would end: "If you are investing more than 50% with your renovations, then your non-conforming status would go away." Councilors agreed to give Tombbora 90 days to begin improvements and to exchange contact information with city staff for follow-up.
The council took a similar approach to the western structure on the same lot, moving and voting to grant another 90-day period for repairs. At both votes the council opened the public hearing for comment; no one spoke against the reprieves and motions carried by roll call.
Separately, the council addressed a condemned accessory structure at 30 Eastwood that the city identified as having 22 housing-code violations. Owner Marvin Lai said he had begun work — "new roofs, new siding" — and officials recommended a 90-day period to allow progress. The council voted to table the demolition and grant 90 days so Lai can continue repairs and return for review.
What happens next: council staff will monitor progress during the 90-day periods and may consider additional time if owners demonstrate ongoing remediation. Council members noted that a rezoning application would still be possible but likely difficult to complete within the 90-day window.
