CA Health & Safety Code Section 101345

In those instances where direct assessment is not authorized by Section 101325, if the officer charged with the billing and collection of the fees is a county officer, the officer may, with the approval of the governing body, record without fee, in the office of the county recorder, a certificate specifying the amount, interest, penalty due, and the name and last known address of the person liable for these fees. If the officer charged with the billing and collection of these fees is a city officer, the officer, with the approval of the governing body may, in those instances where direct assessment is not authorized by Section 101325, record with reasonable fee charge, in the office of the county recorder a certificate specifying the amount, interest, penalty due, name, and last known address of the person liable for these fees. From the time of recording of the certificate, the amount required to be paid together with interest and penalty constitutes a lien upon all real property in the county owned or later acquired by the liable person. The lien created by recording this certificate shall have the force, effect, and priority of a judgment lien and shall continue for 10 years from the time of the recording unless released or otherwise discharged prior to that time. Prior to recording the lien with the county recorder, the lienor shall notify the person liable for the fees by certified mail of the intent to record the certificate.