(A) It shall be unlawful in the city for the owner of a property to permit any structure upon the property to become unfit and unsafe for human habitation, occupancy, or use or to permit conditions to exist in the structure which are dangerous or injurious to the health or safety of the occupants of the structure, the occupants of neighboring structures, or other residents of the city.
(B) The city may establish, by ordinance, reasonable standards and procedures for the enforcement of this section. The procedures shall comply with all applicable statutes, administrative regulations, or codes. Proper notice shall be given to property owners before any action is taken pursuant to this section, and, prior to the demolition of any unfit or unsafe structure, the right to a hearing shall be afforded the property owner.
(C) The city shall have a lien against the property for the reasonable value of labor and materials used in remedying the situation. The affidavit of the responsible officer shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amount of the lien and the regularity of the proceedings pursuant to this statute, and shall be recorded in the office of the County Clerk. The lien shall be notice to all persons from the time of its recording and shall bear interest thereafter until paid. The lien created shall take precedence over all other subsequent liens, except state, county, school board, and city taxes, and may be enforced by judicial proceeding.
(D) In addition to the remedy prescribed in division (C) above or any other remedy authorized by law, the owner of a property upon which a lien has been attached pursuant to this section shall be personally liable for the amount of the lien, including all interest, civil penalties, and other charges and the city, county, or urban-county may bring a civil action against the owner and shall have the same remedies as provided for the recovery of a debt owed.
(KRS 65.8840) (2008 Code, § 8.16.010) Penalty, see § 90.99