2. a. If the owner of a building or structure fails to comply with a removal or demolition order issued by an enforcing agency under authority of P.L.2001, c.457 (C. 52:27D-131.1 et al.) or of P.L.1975, c.217 (C. 52:27D-119 et seq.), the enforcing agency may cause such building or structure to be removed or demolished or may notify the governing body of the need to contract for the removal or demolition thereof in accordance with the provisions of the “Local Public Contracts Law,” P.L.1971, c.198 (C. 40A:11-1 et seq.). Such removal or demolition shall include the clearance, and any necessary leveling, of the site.

b. The cost of any such removal or demolition, together with the cost of filing legal papers, expert witnesses’ fees, search fees and advertising charges incurred in the course of any proceeding taken under P.L.2001, c.457 (C. 52:27D-131.1 et al.) or under P.L.1975, c.217 (C. 52:27D-119 et seq.), less any proceeds received by the enforcing agency from the sale of the materials of the building or structure, shall be a municipal lien against the real property upon which such cost was incurred. In the event that costs were paid by any governmental entity other than the municipality, the lien shall be assigned to that governmental entity. The lien shall be filed and shall be enforceable in the same manner as are other municipal liens.

L.2001,c.457,s.2.