Ala. Code § 11-68-12

The historic preservation commission, or the municipality creating the commission, shall be authorized to institute any appropriate action or proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent any change in the exterior of a building or structure which is either an historic property or which is contained in an historic district, except in compliance with the provisions of an ordinance adopted in conformity with this chapter, or to prevent any illegal act or conduct with respect to such historic property, or historic district, and to recover any damages which may have been caused by the violation of that ordinance.