What must occur for a municipality to place a lien on property?

For a municipality to place a lien on a property, a statement of expense must be issued. This statement typically reflects the costs incurred by the municipality in taking action related to the property, such as addressing code violations, enforcing local laws, or providing necessary public services. This process is often outlined by state laws that govern how municipalities can recover costs associated with the enforcement of municipal ordinances.

When a property owner fails to comply with municipal regulations, a local government can carry out remedial actions, such as cleaning up hazardous materials or making structural repairs. Once the work is completed, the municipality will generate a statement detailing the expenses incurred. This serves as the basis for creating a lien, which acts as a legal claim against the property until the debt represented by the lien is paid.

The other options do not serve as necessary prerequisites for placing a lien. While a valid permit might be relevant in a different context of property management and regulation, it is not directly tied to the process of laying a lien. A declaration of ownership might clarify who owns the property but does not by itself justify a lien. A court order would typically be required for certain legal actions or disputes but is not a straightforward requirement for municipalities to establish a lien based on owed expenses.