California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 5499.9

Before the enforcement officer arrives, any property owner may remove the illegal on-premises advertising display at the owner's own expense.

Nevertheless, in any case in which an order to abate is issued, the legislative body of the city or county, by motion or resolution, may further order that a special assessment and lien shall be limited to the costs incurred by the city or county, as the case may be, in enforcing abatement upon the property, including investigation, boundary determination, measurement, clerical, and other related costs.