If the alleged violator, so served, fails to abate the violation or request a hearing within the period prescribed, the county government may proceed to abate the violation as follows.
(A) Failure to bring one’s property into compliance within the time period provided in the notice of violation shall constitute permission to an official of the county, or its designee, to enter onto the offending property for the purpose of making preparations to abate the violation.
(B) If the county or its designee must act to abate the violations of this chapter, the county government shall keep an account of the cost incurred to abate the violation. Such account shall be charged to and paid by the violator. In addition to any other remedy allowed by law, the county government may bring a civil action against the alleged violator and shall have the same remedies as provided for in the recovery of a debt owed.
(C) Upon the violator’s failure to reimburse the county for expenses incurred in abating violations of this chapter, the county may cause to be filed, in the office of the County Clerk, a lien against the offending property for the actual cost incurred in abating the violation, including administrative expenses plus interest at the rate of 12% per annum. Said lien may be enforced by a foreclosure proceeding as provided by law, and in such event, the violator shall be liable for recording fees, recoverable court costs, and reasonable attorney fees.
(Ord. 294, passed 10-21-1997) Penalty, see § 51.99