Before the passage of the final resolution or ordinance to make any improvement on any street, avenue, alley, or sidewalk, the cost of which or any part thereof is to be assessed to the abutting property, if the grade of such street, avenue, alley, or sidewalk has not been established or if said improvement necessitates a change of grade, the council shall, by ordinance, fix and establish the grade of such street, avenue, alley, or sidewalk about to be improved and also the grade of the curb on each side thereof.
Ala. Code § 11-48-10 (1975)