Alternative to demolition; repair by municipality or parish

A. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the parish or municipal governing authority, as an alternative to demolition or removal, may make the repairs necessary to correct the defects in a condemned structure within its jurisdiction. (2) The parish or municipal governing authority may take such action only after a demolition or removal order has been issued and the delay for a legal appeal has run, or an appeal has been denied, and when in the discretion of the parish or municipal governing authority such action will restore the structure to a state of usefulness to the community. (3) The decision of the parish or municipal governing authority to repair the structure may be appealed in the same manner as provided in R.S. 33:4764. B. The costs of repairs made pursuant to Subsection A and a ten percent penalty thereon shall be reimbursed by the owner of the condemned property, and such costs and penalty shall operate as a lien and privilege on the property in favor of the parish or municipality. Until such time as the costs and penalty have been paid, the parish or municipal governing authority may lease such property and apply all revenue received to the amount owed by the owner and to the necessary maintenance of the structure.