Guntersville Files Lawsuit
August 20, 2026
Guntersville Files Lawsuit Seeking Closure of Recovery Residences Operated by Pastor Troy Blair
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — The City of Guntersville has filed a civil lawsuit in Marshall County Circuit Court against Pastor Troy Blair and Jesus Recovery House, LLC, seeking a court order to close two residences and relocate the people living there, according to court filings.
The case, City of Guntersville v. Allen Troy Blair, et al. (CV-2026-22), involves properties at:
- 3420 Highway 79 S, Guntersville, and
- 88 Siebold Road, Guntersville.
What the City Alleges
In its complaint, the City claims the defendants are “managing, operating or otherwise administering” residential businesses and/or family care homes at the two addresses. The City alleges multiple violations, including:
- Operating the residences in an improper zoning district and asserting the proper zoning for the alleged use would be RM-1 or RM-2 (multi-family districts);
- Operating the residences as businesses without a business license;
- Operating without required architectural plans showing compliance with fire and life safety codes; and
- Operating “new businesses” without a prior inspection for compliance with fire and life safety codes.
The City is asking the court to order the defendants to immediately close both locations and relocate residents, along with other relief and costs.
Notices Cited in the Case
The lawsuit references notices dated July 2, 2026 and July 6, 2026, issued by multiple city officials, including:
- Fire Marshal Jonathan Holcomb
- Building Official Eric Self
- Ordinance Enforcement Officer Cheryl Smythe
The City also argues that administrative appeal deadlines have expired and that the defendants failed to file timely appeals, which the City contends results in a waiver of the right to contest certain directives.
Fire Code and “Change of Occupancy” Claims
A July 6 notice cited in the case states that the City has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code and asserts the properties involve a change of use or occupancy requiring additional compliance steps, including a Life Safety Plan prepared by a state-licensed architect. The notice also references code definitions related to “group home” and “congregate living facilities.”
Based on those conclusions, the notice directed that the properties be closed and residents relocated.
Blair’s Position
Blair disputes the City’s characterization of the homes, describing them as peer-to-peer recovery residences where individuals in recovery live together as a household. Blair has said the homes operate as a family-style unit and are not operated as a commercial treatment facility.
Blair has also raised concerns about enforcement actions described in the notices, including a vehicle VIN check mentioned in City correspondence, which Blair says related to a recently purchased vehicle for which a title transfer had not yet been completed.
What Happens Next
Civil cases of this type typically proceed through pleadings and motion practice, followed by discovery and potential hearings if either side seeks emergency or injunctive relief. The City’s requested remedy—immediate closure and relocation—would ultimately require court action.
No trial date has been announced in the materials provided, and the case remains pending.