§ 2-3. Issuance and effect of lien certificates.

(a) Issuance.

The Director of Finance, through the Chief Clerk in charge of said Bureau, to be appointed as aforesaid, shall make provisions for:

(1) the systematic and reliable collection of accurate data in regard to all municipal charges or assessments affecting any particular piece of real property situate in the City of Baltimore; and

(2) the issuance, upon the application of any person tendering a fee of $15 for each separate piece of property inquired about, of a certificate showing plainly and accurately the kind and amount of all such charges or assessments against such particular piece of property.

(b) Effect.

(1) Said certificate hereby provided to be issued, when issued, shall be and become effectual in favor of every bona fide purchaser for value and without notice to bar any claim thereafter, for and on account of any charge or assessment against any particular piece of property, precluded by the fact of said certificate.

(2) But neither the payment of the said fee nor the issuance of the certificate mentioned shall in any event be held to preclude the claim by the City to any charge or assessment as against:

(i) the owner of the property at the time such certificate as is herein provided for is applied for and issued; or

(ii) any person acquiring said property with knowledge of such claim.

All fees tendered in payment for the issuance of certificates, as herein provided, shall be collected and receipted for and accounted for by the Director of Finance in the same manner as if the same were proceeds of City taxes.