Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 50. HEALTH AND SAFETY

CHAPTER 62. FIRE HAZARDS

Part 1. Removal of Hazards

Proceedings On Failure To Comply With Order

50-62-107. Proceedings on failure to comply with order. (1) If the owner or other party in interest shall fail to comply with the order of condemnation of a building or structure within the time fixed by the court in case a trial is had therein, then the department of justice or any other officer authorized in 50-62-101 may proceed to cause such building or structure to be altered, repaired, or demolished in accordance with the directions contained in such order.

(2) Where a building or structure is demolished in accordance with such order, the department or any other officer authorized in 50-62-101 may sell or dispose of the salvaged materials therefrom at public auction upon 5 days' posted notice. The department or other officer shall keep an accurate account of the expenses incurred in carrying out the order and shall credit thereon the proceeds of such salvage sale, if any, and shall report thereon with a statement of said expenses or the balance thereof, the expense incurred, and the amount, if any, received from such salvage sale to the court for approval and allowance. The court shall examine, correct if necessary, and allow said expense account, and said amount so allowed shall constitute a lien against the real estate on which said building or structure is or was situated. If the amount thereof is not paid by the owner or other party in interest within 3 months after the account has been examined and approved by the court, the real estate upon which said building or structure is or was situated shall be sold under proper order of court by the sheriff of the county in which the same is situated in the manner provided by law for the sale of real estate upon execution, and the proceeds of said sale shall be paid into the treasury of the governmental unit which incurred the expenses. If the amount received as salvage or on sale shall exceed the expense incurred by the governmental unit, the court shall direct the payment of the surplus to those parties with encumbrances, mortgages, or liens on the real estate in order of their priority and any surplus thereafter to the owner or the payment of the same into court for their use and benefit.

History: En. Sec. 2753-C, Ch. 139, L. 1929; re-en. Sec. 2753.3, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 418, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 82-1222; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 278, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 28, Ch. 706, L. 1991.