(a) (1) If a property owner does not initiate or complete the remediation of property in compliance with an order issued by a local health officer pursuant to this chapter, the city or county in which the property is located may, at its discretion, take action to remediate the contaminated or residually contaminated portion of the property pursuant to this chapter or may seek a court order to require the property owner to remediate the property in compliance with this chapter.

(2) Before a city or county takes an action pursuant to paragraph (1) regarding property specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (v) of Section 25400.11, the city or county shall give a written notice of not less than 10 days in advance to the mobilehome park or special occupancy park owner to allow for remediation by the mobilehome park or special occupancy park owner in the manner prescribed by this chapter in addition to any other notice required by this section. If the mobilehome park or special occupancy park owner agrees, in writing, to undertake that remediation in compliance with the order, the city or county shall not take action pursuant to this section unless the owner is not in compliance with the agreement.

(b) If a local health officer is unable to locate a property owner within 10 days after the date the local health officer issues an order pursuant to Section 25400.22, the city or county in which the property is located may remediate the property in accordance with this article. The city or county or its contractors may remove contaminated property as part of this remediation activity.

(c) If a city or county elects to remediate contaminated property pursuant to this article, the property owner is liable for, and shall pay the city or county for, all actual costs related to the remediation, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Posting and physical security of the contaminated site.

(2) Notification of affected people, businesses, or any other entity.

(3) Actual expenses related to the recovery of cost, laboratory fees, cleanup services, removal costs, and administrative and filing fees.

(d) If a real property owner does not pay the city or county for the costs of remediation specified in subdivision (c), the city or county may record a nuisance abatement lien pursuant to Section 38773.1 of the Government Code against the real property for the actual costs related to the remediation or bring an action against the real property owner for the remediation costs. The nuisance abatement lien shall have the effect, priority, and enforceability of a judgment lien from the date of its recordation.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 691, Sec. 15. (AB 1596) Effective January 1, 2020.)