Notice of Violation OTC Property - $3200

[Syrica Brown]

I purchased a OTC property in 2018.  I received a letter in the mail from the City of Mobile informing me there is a code violation assessed to the property.  The violation:  building is unsafe for use or occupancy and the city boarding up the property.  The violation fee is $3200.  A hearing is schedule in two weeks and I can appear if I have any objections.  What are my options if any?

Thanks for assisting....

[Denise Evans]

@Syrica Brown, Lots of urban legends circulating among low level county and city personnel. It doesn't mean that everything they say is true. Go to the hearing. Explain what you want to do, have drawings and cost estimates for all of it and a time frame for completion, and an explanation of where the money is coming from.  That makes it all seem real instead of wishful thinking. Explain that if you have to pay the fine, it will delay when you can make your repairs, and you might have to just let the property go to tax auction and possibly be condemned. Explain that you are not the owner, you have just a tax certificate, but you seem to be the only person who cares about repairing the property. You are not personally liable for the fee because you are not the owner. You know they can put a lien on the property, but you might have to just let it go through another auction if that happens.  Plead with them to have mercy on you.