For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AGGRIEVED PERSON.
Includes any person who:
(1) Claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice; or
(2) Believes that such persons will be injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur.
COVERED MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS.
Buildings consisting of four or more units, if such buildings have one or more elevators, and ground floor units in other buildings consisting of four or more units.
DISABILITY.
(1) Includes, with respect to a person:
A. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including the functions of caring for one’s self such as: performing manual tasks; walking; seeing; hearing; speaking; breathing; learning; and/or working;
B. A record of a physical or mental impairment; or
C. Being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.
(2) Does not include current, illegal use of, or addiction to, a controlled substance, as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 802.
DISCRIMINATION REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The Committee of the Law Department established by § 557.051.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
The Director of the Law Department.
FAMILIAL STATUS.
Refers to the status of:
(1) One or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with:
A. A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or
B. The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other persons.
(2) Any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years.
HOUSING FOR OLDER PERSONS.
Includes:
(1) Housing provided under any state or federal program that the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (hereafter HUD) determines is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons (as defined in the state or federal program);
(2) Housing intended for, and solely occupied by, persons 62 years of age or older;
(3) Housing intended and operated for occupancy by at least one person 55 years or older per unit. The determination as to whether housing qualifies as housing for older persons under this division shall be consistent with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of HUD, provided at least the following factors are present:
A. The existence of significant facilities and services specifically designed to meet the physical or social needs of older persons or if the provision of such facilities and services is not practicable, that such housing is necessary to provide important housing opportunities for older persons;
B. That at least 80% of the units are occupied by at least one person 55 years of age or older per unit; and
C. The publication of, and adherence to, policies and procedures which demonstrate an intent by the owner or manger to provide housing for persons 55 years of age or older.
(4) Housing shall not fail to meet the requirements for housing for older persons by reason of:
A. There being persons residing in such housing as of the date of enactment of the Fair Housing Act of 1988, being 52 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq., who do not meet the age requirements of division (2) or (3) above; provided that the new occupants of such housing meet the age requirements of division (2) or (3) above; or
B. There being unoccupied units, provided that such units are reserved for occupancy by division (2) or (3) above.
LAW DEPARTMENT.
Includes the employees and others affiliated with the Law Department, including persons and/or agencies contracting with the Law Department and all persons who have responsibility under this chapter.
LENDING INSTITUTION.
Any bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or other organization or person regularly engaged in the business of lending money, guaranteeing insurance in connection with the purchase, sale or rental of dwellings.
PERSON.
One or more individuals, partnerships, associations, organizations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers, and other organized groups of persons. It also includes, but is not limited to, any owner, lessor, assignor, builder, manager, broker, salesman, appraiser, agent, employee, and lending institution.
PROPERTY.
Any building, structure, facility or portion thereof, which is used, occupied or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied:
(1) As the residence, dwelling unit or sleeping place of one or more individuals, groups or families whether or not living independently of each other, and includes any housing accommodations held or offered for sale or rent by a real estate broker, salesman or agent, or by any other person pursuant to authorization of the owner, by the owner or by such person’s legal representative;
(2) For the purpose of operating a business, an office, a manufactory or public accommodation; or
(3) Any vacant land offered for sale, lease or held for the purpose of constructing or locating thereon any such building, structure, facility, business concern or public accommodation.
PROTECTED GROUP
or
PROTECTED CLASS.
Refers to people who are, or may be, discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group, Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status, familial status, marital status or ancestry.
PURCHASE.
To obtain property through sale.
REAL ESTATE BROKER.
A real estate agent or salesperson, or a limited real estate broker or salesperson, as defined in § 4735.01 of the Revised Code.
RENT
or
RENTAL.
To lease, sublease, assign or otherwise grant or obtain the right to occupy property not owned by the occupant in return for consideration, or a contract or option to do any of the foregoing.
SALE
or
SELL.
To convey, exchange, transfer or assign legal or equitable title to, or beneficial interest in, property in return for consideration, or a contract or option to do any of the foregoing.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION.
A person’s actual or perceived homosexuality, bisexuality or heterosexuality, by orientation or practice.
SOLICITATION
or
SOLICIT.
The mailing or delivery of any printed matter or any oral communication either in person or by telephone to the owner or occupant of property by any real estate broker, agent, sales representative or other person for any of the following purposes:
(1) Advertising the accomplishments and/or abilities of the real estate broker, agent, sales representative or other person to sell or rent property;
(2) Requesting or suggesting that the owner or occupant list his or her property for sale or rent; or
(3) Offering to purchase or rent the owner’s property.
UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICES.
Any act prohibited by § 557.03, but shall not include special outreach efforts conducted by, or under the authority of units of local government (including agencies, departments and commissioners thereof) or non-profit fair housing corporations or agencies to administer the programs and activities relating to housing and urban development in a manner which affirmatively furthers the policies of this chapter.
WATCH AREA.
An area of the city designated by the Law Department exhibiting certain conditions of change which have historically led to panic selling, racial change and/or incidents with considerations of the factors listed in § 557.16(b).
(Ord. 212-01, passed 10-3-2001)