Housing (Community Development)

HB 315 authorizes Alabama's Class 1 municipalities (like Birmingham) to require property owners to register vacant residential or commercial buildings within 30 days of vacancy or ownership change. Owners must pay an initial registration fee and annual supplemental fees, while municipalities must establish a database and enforce maintenance standards to address blight, safety risks, and public costs associated with vacant properties. The bill aims to help cities identify vacant properties, reduce neighborhood deterioration, and offset expenses like inspections and nuisance abatement. This legislation is currently pending in the House Committee on Jefferson County Legislation.