(a) Any aggrieved person may allege that a violation of Section 136.03 has occurred by filing with the Fair Housing Board, within one (1) year of the alleged violation, a sworn, written complaint setting forth his or her grievance. The complaint shall state the name and address of the aggrieved party (hereinafter the "complainant"), the name and address of the person(s) alleged to have committed a violation of Section 136.03 (hereinafter the "respondent"), a description and address of the property involved in the discriminatory incident and the particular facts thereof and such other information as may be required by the Board. A complaint may be amended at any time prior to the hearing conducted pursuant to Section 136.09, and thereafter only with permission of the Fair Housing Board. Upon the filing of a complaint, the Fair Housing Board shall acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and serve notice thereof to the complainant, which notice shall also contain information as to the time limits, notice of procedural rights and obligations and choice of forum provided in this chapter.
(b) Within ten (10) days after a complaint has been received by the Fair Housing Board, it shall serve or cause to be served, in person or by certified mail, a copy of the complaint on the respondent alleged to have committed a violation of Section 136.03.
Along with the service of the complaint, the Fair Housing Board shall advise the respondent, in writing, of his or her procedural rights and obligations under this chapter. The respondent may file a written verified answer to the complaint with the Fair Housing Board within ten (10) days after receipt of notice of said complaint, and thereafter only with permission of the Fair Housing Board.
(c) The Mayor, with the advice of the Fair Housing Board, may appoint a Fair Housing Administrator of the Fair Housing Board. The Administrator shall have such duties and responsibilities as may be provided by the Fair Housing Board, including, but not limited to, receipt and processing of complaints on behalf of the Fair Housing Board.
(Ord. 52-24. Passed 4-1-24.)