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Administration

The City of Clay Administration Department serves as the operational backbone of local government, ensuring the efficient and transparent delivery of services to our community. Our dedicated team works to implement city policies, coordinate across municipal departments, and uphold the highest standards of public accountability. We are committed to fostering an open, responsive government that meets the evolving needs of every resident we serve.

Call City Hall 205-680-1223Report a Code Enforcement Concern

Code Enforcement FAQ

The City of Clay's Code Enforcement program helps keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone. Below you'll find guidance on common ordinance issues, what happens when a concern is reported, and how to report a concern yourself.

Be a Good Neighbor!

A few simple habits help prevent many common concerns:

  • Keep grass, weeds, and vegetation maintained.
  • Remove discarded materials, litter, and outdoor debris.
  • Store vehicles and equipment in permitted locations.
  • Confirm zoning and permit requirements before starting work.
  • Maintain buildings, fences, and accessory structures in safe condition.
  • Speak respectfully with neighbors when a direct conversation is safe and appropriate.
How tall can my grass or weeds be before it's a violation?

Grass, weeds, and other non-ornamental vegetation over 12 inches tall is a violation, including in side and back yards.

Am I responsible for trees and shrubs on my property?

Yes. Property owners must maintain trees, shrubs, and other vegetation so they don't block sidewalks or streets and don't obstruct sight lines for drivers and pedestrians.

What makes a vehicle "inoperable" under City ordinance?

A vehicle is inoperable if it has flat tires, is partially dismantled, wrecked, or junked, hasn't appeared to move in more than 10 days, or doesn't have a current license plate.

Can I just put a tarp over my inoperable vehicle instead of moving it?

No. Covering a vehicle with a tarp does not remove the violation. Storing it inside a garage is an acceptable solution.

How long can I keep broken or unusable items (junk) on my property?

Items no longer safely usable for their intended purpose may not remain on the property for more than 10 days.

How quickly do I need to remove regular trash and debris?

All other trash, refuse, and debris must be removed from the property by the next scheduled trash pickup.

Does my swimming pool have fence requirements?

Yes. Pools must be surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 4 feet high, with gates and doors that are self-closing and self-latching.

What are the requirements for my roof, gutters, and downspouts?

They must be maintained to prevent water intrusion, and kept in good repair and free of obstructions.

What if my deck, porch, or stairs are damaged?

They must be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, properly anchored, and able to support imposed loads.

How do I report a code enforcement concern?

Use the online report form, or call City Hall at 205-680-1223, option 2 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Include the address or location, a description of the issue, when you first noticed it, photos (taken safely from your own property or a public area), and your contact information if follow-up is needed.

Can I go onto a neighbor's property to take photos of a violation?

No. Do not enter another person's property to investigate or take photographs. Only take photos from your own property or a public area.

What should I do if it's an emergency or immediate threat?

Call 911. Code enforcement is not for emergencies.

Will the City help with a property-line, deed, HOA, or landlord-tenant dispute?

These types of disputes may fall outside City code enforcement's scope.

What happens after I report a concern?

The City records the concern, staff conduct an initial review and site inspection, and if a violation is found, the responsible party receives notice and a compliance period. Staff then reinspects; further action (citations, court action, nuisance proceedings, etc.) may follow if the issue isn't corrected.

How long does it take to resolve a code enforcement case?

It varies — timing depends on the condition itself, required notice periods, the property owner's cooperation, and the applicable legal process.

Is information I submit to the City public?

Information submitted to the City may be subject to public-records requirements.

Common Ordinance Violations

Weeds & Vegetation

Ordinance 2010-03

Weeds and Grass Weeds, grass, and other non-ornamental vegetation over 12 inches in height is a violation. This includes all side and backyard areas.

Trees and Shrubs Property owners are responsible for maintaining their trees, shrubs, and all other vegetation — ensuring they do not block sidewalks or streets, and that sight lines are maintained so they don't pose hazards to vehicles and pedestrians.

Vehicles & Junk

Ordinance 2005-56, as amended by Ordinance 2018-02

Inoperable Vehicles A vehicle is considered inoperable if it:

  • Has flat tires,
  • Is partially dismantled, wrecked, or junked,
  • Has not appeared to move in more than 10 days, or
  • Does not have an up-to-date license plate.

Moving the vehicle inside a garage is an acceptable solution. Covering the vehicle with a tarp does not remove the violation.

Other Junk and Trash Items that are no longer safely usable for their manufactured purpose may not remain on the property for longer than 10 days. All other trash, refuse, and debris must be removed from the property by the next scheduled trash pickup.

Property Maintenance Standards

Ordinance 2010-01, as amended by Ordinance 2021-04

These standards provide a reasonable level of health, safety, property protection, and general welfare for all occupants:

  • Sanitation — All premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
  • Swimming Pools — Must be surrounded by a fence or barrier no less than 4 feet in height. Gates and doors must be self-closing and self-latching.
  • Roofs and Drainage — Must be maintained to prevent water intrusion. Drains, gutters, and downspouts must be kept in good repair and free of obstructions.
  • Stairs, Decks, and Porches — Must be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage, and capable of supporting imposed loads.

Permits and Applications

  • Blasting Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

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  • Non Residential Building Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Plumbing Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Demolition Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Residential Roofing Permit Application

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Gas Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Rental Application

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Sign Permit Application

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Planning and Zoning Application

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Annexation Petition

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Erosion/Excavation Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Business License Application

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Application for Mechanical Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Residential New Construction Application

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Electrical Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Residential Miscellaneous Building Permit

    Permits and Applications

    Uploaded March 31, 2026

    Download Document

  • Clay Annexation Petition adopted Feb 2015

    Permits and ApplicationsBusiness

    Uploaded March 10, 2026

    Download Document