How may a municipality recoup its expenses incurred for securing or demolishing a structure?

A municipality can effectively recoup its expenses incurred for securing or demolishing a structure by placing a lien on the property. When a municipality takes action to secure or demolish a building, it may incur various costs such as labor, materials, and administrative expenses. By placing a lien, the municipality ensures that these costs are attached to the property itself, creating a legal claim for repayment. This lien must then be paid off when the property is sold or transferred, allowing the municipality to recover its expenses directly from the property owner or future owners.

While other methods such as civil suits or foreclosure actions could theoretically be avenues for recovering costs, placing a lien is the most direct and commonly used procedure specifically sanctioned under municipal authority for these situations. It streamlines the process of recovery and aligns with property law procedures, making it a practical and efficient solution for municipalities in their code enforcement efforts.