(A) Upon certification by the Fair Housing Commission that there has been an affirmative finding of probable cause of discriminatory practices, the Fair Housing Officer may:
(1) Request the Corporation Counsel to file an action against the accused party in a court of competent jurisdiction, seeking the imposition of the following penalties:
(a) A fine not exceeding One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) for each offense with each act of discrimination being considered a separate offense;
(b) Revocation or suspension of any license of permit issued by the City of Bellevue, necessary to the operation of the housing accommodation(s) in question and any other equitable relief necessary to effect the purposes of this article;
(c) All costs, expenses, and disbursements incurred by the City of Bellevue in effecting compliance with this article; and/or
(d) Such other relief directed by a court of appropriate jurisdiction
(2) Request a qualified fair housing enforcement agency to commence a civil action or proceeding for injunctive relief, damages, and other appropriate relief in law or equity against a person who violates this article. In any such action or proceeding, the court, in its discretion may allow the party commencing such action or proceeding, if such party prevails, a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs.
(B) The aggrieved party may commence a civil action or proceeding for injunctive relief, damages, and other appropriate relief in law or equity against a person who violates this article. In any such action or proceeding, the court in its discretion, may allow for the party commencing such action or proceeding, if such party prevails, a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs.
(Ord. 2123, § 9, passed 3-10-1980; Ord. 3738, § 5, passed 10-14-2013)