Special assessment liens typically arise from municipality-initiated improvements. When local governments undertake projects that enhance property values and benefits to specific properties, such as road construction, sidewalks, or sewer systems, they often levy special assessments on the properties that benefit from these improvements. This means that the cost of the improvement is assessed to property owners in a specific area, creating a lien against their properties until the assessment is paid.
The purpose of a special assessment is to ensure that those who benefit from a public improvement contribute to its cost. This is distinct from other types of liens, such as those resulting from unpaid work requested by the property owner, which may not involve municipal action. Hence, municipality-initiated improvements are closely tied to special assessments, making this the correct selection.