(A) The city shall possess a lien on property where the violation occurred as defined by KRS 65.8805(8), or by a final judgment of the court or the Board, that the accused committed a violation of a city ordinance. The lien shall be for all civil fines assessed for the violation and for all charges and fees incurred by the city in connection with the enforcement of the ordinance, including abatement costs, filing fees, court costs and attorney fees. An affidavit of the Code Enforcement Officer shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amount of the lien and the regularity of the proceedings pursuant to this chapter. The lien:
(1) Shall be recorded in the office of the County Clerk;
(2) Shall be notice to all persons from the time of its recording and shall bear interest until paid;
(3) Subject to KRS 65.8836, shall take precedence over all other liens, except state, county, school board and city taxes;
(4) Shall continue for ten years following the date of the non appealable final order, or final judgment of the court; and
(5) May be enforced by judicial proceedings, including an action to foreclose.
(B) In addition to the remedy prescribed in division (A) of this section, the person found to have committed the violation shall be personally responsible for the amount of the lien, including all civil fines assessed for the violation and for all charges, fees, administrative costs and abatement costs incurred by the city in connection with the enforcement of the ordinance. The city may bring a civil action against the person and shall have the same remedies as provided for the recovery of a debt or liquidated damages.
(C) Nothing in this section shall otherwise affect the rights or obligations between the owner of the property and those persons who claim a security interest in the property.
(Ord. 10-2020, passed 10-5-2020)