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SEC. 57.104.12.1.2. BILLING OF NONCOMPLIANCE FEE.
 
   If multiple re-inspections of a violation are required in order to gain compliance, the Department shall cause a Noncompliance Fee billing to be sent to the property owner, either at the time the Department finally gains compliance, or when the Department seeks the filing of criminal charges, unless a timely appeal has been filed. The Fire/Life Safety Order shall contain the elements required in Section 57.104.12.1.2. It shall state that the owner is required to abate the hazard; set forth a reasonable time in which to comply with the law; state that if the hazard is not abated by the date specified on the notice as the compliance date, the owner shall be responsible for Noncompliance Fees, including administrative costs; and state that these costs may ultimately result in a lien against the property. Billing of the fees shall be by United States mail, in a sealed envelope with postage paid, addressed to the last known address of the person served with the Fire/Life Safety Order. Service of the bill shall be deemed to have been completed at the time of deposit with the United States Postal Service. The person or persons served shall remit the Noncompliance Fee to the Department within 30 days after the date of service. Payment of the Noncompliance Fees may be made by cash, check, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit card. If the property owner fails to make the payment in a timely manner, then the Department may demand payment of the Noncompliance Fee from the person or persons served for the property involved, prior to the issuance of any permit, certification, or approval to the person or persons served, pursuant to the authority granted by Section 57.105.5.1. If the property owner fails to pay a Noncompliance Fee imposed within 30 days, the Department shall send a second notice in the same manner described above. If the property owner fails to pay the fee within ten days after the second notice is mailed, a collection fee equal to 50% of the original Noncompliance Fee shall be imposed. This additional fee shall become part of the debt immediately due and owing to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The City shall have the right to bring legal action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the Order and collect the amount of the fees. In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the City may collect any judgment, fee, cost, or charge, including any permit fees, fines, late charges, or interest, incurred in relation to the provisions of this section as provided in Los Angeles Administrative Code Sections 7.35.1 through 7.35.8. Nothing in this section regarding the imposition of Noncompliance Fees shall prevent the Department from pursuing other legal action, including, but not limited to, the filing of criminal charges in order to gain compliance with the Fire Code.