Aggrieved individuals may enforce the rights granted by Section 1185.02 by pursuing any or all of the following remedies:
(a) Filing a civil action in the Court of Common Pleas within 180 days after the alleged unlawful housing practice occurred.
(1) If an unlawful housing practice is about to occur, the court may order any affirmative action it considers appropriate, including a permanent or temporary injunction or temporary restraining order.
(2) If the court finds that an unlawful housing practice has occurred, the court shall award to the plaintiff actual damages and reasonable attorney's fees and court costs, and may grant such relief as it considers appropriate, including a permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order or other order, and punitive damages of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(3) Any action brought pursuant to this section shall be heard and determined as expeditiously as possible.
(b) Filing a complaint in writing with the City Human Relations Commission charging a violation of Section 1185.02. Upon the filing of such a complaint, the Commission shall investigate same and attempt to informally mediate the complaint. If the complaint cannot be mediated to the satisfaction of the complainant and alleged violator, the Commission shall then provide all materials concerning their file relative to the matter to the City Prosecutor. Upon receipt of the file, the city Prosecutor shall review same and conduct his/her own investigation concerning such charge. Upon being satisfied that it is probable that an unlawful housing practice occurred, the Prosecutor shall file a criminal charge concerning the matter.
(Ord. 88-70 AC CMS. Passed 10-17-88.)