(2) The court may allow the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees and expenses in a judicial proceeding authorized by this section that involves a dwelling approved to relieve a temporary hardship. However, if the court allows the plaintiff reasonable attorney fees or expenses, such fees or expenses shall not be charged to the county if the county did not actively defend itself or the landowner in the proceeding.
(3) Nothing in this section requires the governing body of a county or a person whose interest in real property in the county is or may be affected to avail itself of a remedy allowed by this section or by any other law. [1955 c.439 §7; 1963 c.619 §12; 1977 c.766 §6; 1981 c.898 §48; 1983 c.826 §5; 2001 c.225 §1]