(A) The rights granted by §§ 93.03 through 93.05 and § 93.06 may be enforced by civil actions in the appropriate United States district, state or local court. A civil action shall be commenced within 180 days after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred: provided, however, that the court shall continue the civil case brought pursuant to this section or § 93.10(D) from time to time before bringing it to trial if the court believes that the conciliation efforts of the chief elected official are likely to result in satisfactory settlement of the alleged discriminatory housing practice complained of in the complaint made to the chief elected official and which practice forms the basis for the action in court; and provided, however, that any sale, encumbrance or rental consummated prior to the issuance of any court order issued under the authority of this chapter and involving a bona fide purchaser, encumbrancer or tenant without actual notice of the filing or a complaint or civil action under the provisions of this chapter shall not be affected.
(B) The court may grant as relief, as it deems appropriate, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order or other order and may award to the plaintiff actual damages and not more than $1,000 punitive damages, together with court costs and reasonable attorney fees in the case of a prevailing plaintiff: provided, that the plaintiff in the opinion of the court is not financially able to assume the attorney's fees.
(Ord. 59, passed 2-12-2003)