What may occur if a property owner does not comply with a code enforcement order?

When a property owner does not comply with a code enforcement order, the municipality has several recourse actions that it can take to ensure compliance. Legal action, including the imposition of fines or liens, is among the most common responses. This process allows the municipality to enforce compliance by imposing monetary penalties for violations, which serve both as a punitive measure and as a means to encourage future compliance. Additionally, a lien may be placed on the property, attaching the debt to it and ensuring the municipality can recover its costs when the property is sold or refinanced.

This approach is aligned with the legal framework that governs code enforcement, which aims to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that properties meet established codes and standards. It also underscores the authority of municipalities to uphold local ordinances, enabling them to effectively manage community standards.

Other options such as mandatory relocation and immediate eviction are generally not standard processes associated with code enforcement actions. A warning with no consequences fails to serve the purpose of code enforcement, which is to ensure compliance and address violations effectively. Thus, the option regarding legal action reflects the actual legal mechanisms available to municipalities for handling non-compliance.