(a) As an alternative to the procedure specified in Section 38773.2, the legislative body of a city, county, or city and county may, by ordinance, establish a procedure for the abatement of any nuisance resulting from the defacement by a minor or other person of property of another by graffiti or other inscribed material and make the abatement and related administrative costs a special assessment against a parcel of land owned by the minor or other person or by the parent or guardian having custody and control of the minor. The assessment may be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ordinary municipal taxes are collected and shall be subject to the same penalties and the same procedure and sale in case of delinquency as provided for ordinary municipal taxes. All laws applicable to the levy, collection, and enforcement of municipal taxes shall be applicable to the special assessment. However, if any real property to which the abatement and related administrative costs relate has been transferred or conveyed to a bona fide purchaser for value, or if a lien of a bona fide encumbrancer for value has been created and attaches thereon prior to the date on which the first installment of the taxes would become delinquent, then the abatement and related administrative costs shall not result in a lien against the real property but shall instead be transferred to the unsecured roll for collection. Notices or instruments relating to the abatement proceeding or special assessment may be recorded.
(b) The terms “abatement and related administrative costs,” “graffiti or other inscribed material,” “minor,” and “other person” have the same meaning as specified in Sections 38772 and 38773.2.
(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 159, Sec. 119. Effective January 1, 2002.)