Cal. Gov. Code § 39573

Before the superintendent arrives, any property owner may remove the weeds, rubbish, refuse, and dirt at his own expense. Nevertheless, in any case in which an order to abate is issued, the legislative body by motion or resolution may further order that a special assessment and lien be imposed pursuant to Section 39577. In that case the assessment and lien shall be limited to the costs incurred by the responsible agency in enforcing abatement upon the parcels, including investigation, boundary determination, measurement, clerical and other related costs.