(55 ILCS 5/5-12003) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-12003)
Sec. 5-12003.
Special flood hazard areas.
In those areas within the
territory of a county with a population in excess of 500,000 and fewer
than 3 million inhabitants, and outside any city, village or incorporated
town, which are identified as "Special Flood Hazard Areas" under the terms
and provisions of any ordinance adopted under this Division, the
unauthorized excavation or filling of such an area by any person shall
cause the county board to apply to the circuit court in that county for an
order to remove the fill and restore the parcel to its natural elevation in
order to lessen or avoid the imminent threat to the public health, safety
or welfare and damage to property resulting from the accumulation or
run-off of storm or flood waters. Where, upon diligent search, the
identity or whereabouts of the owner of any such parcel, including lien
holders of record, are not ascertainable, notice mailed to the person in
whose name such real estate was last assessed for taxes, as shown
by the county collector's books, constitutes sufficient notice under this
Section. The hearing upon such application to the circuit court shall be
expedited by the court and given precedence over all other suits. The cost
of removal or restoration incurred by the county board is recoverable from
the owner of such real estate and is a lien thereon, which lien is superior
to all prior existing liens and encumbrances, except taxes; provided that
within 60 days after such removal of fill or restoration of the parcel to
its natural elevation, the county board shall file notice of lien
for such cost and expense incurred in the office of the recorder of the
county. The notice
must consist of a sworn statement setting out (1) a description of the real
estate sufficient for identification thereof, (2) the amount of money
representing the cost and expense incurred, and (3) the date on which the
cost was incurred by the county. Upon payment of the costs and expenses by
the owner or persons interested in the property, the lien shall be released
by the county in whose name the lien has been filed and the release may be
filed of record. The lien may be enforced by proceedings of foreclosure as
in the case of mortgages or mechanics' liens, which action must be
commenced within 3 years after the date of filing notice of lien.
(Source: P.A. 90-14, eff. 7-1-97.)
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