I've had success by contacting a realtor directly. He was't aware the lawn had become an eyesore as we had a good deal of rain and everyone's grass had a growth spurt. Perhaps Mrs. Howard doesn't know about this one because she has many properties listed. It doesn't hurt to try that, if you haven't tried already.

Community Development will assign an inspector to check the property for violations of the grass and weed ordinance. This ordinance only requires the cutting of grass or weeds over 8 inches in height and consume an abundance of the yard. We cannot require the trimming of bushes, shrubs, bamboo, ornamentals, ivy or trees. Thank you for contacting us.

Good point, Concernedcitizen.

Thank you for reaching out to us. The person being cited is the last known assessor of the property, which is public knowledge. We understand and appreciate your concern. There is a legal process which is restricted in that the COH has no jurisdiction outside the state of Alabama, which negates our ability to prosecute these parties who own most of the properties in question.
It is the city's policy to issue a 14 day courtesy notice each and every time they are in violation of this ordinance. If the violation is not corrected within that time, a citation may be issued for the responsible party to appear in Municipal Court AND/OR the City may cut the grass and weeds and bill the owner for the costs incurred. We appreciate your frustration however; Community Development has a legal process that is implemented. If any of you would like to discuss the process further please call Community Development directly at 256-427-5400.