(A) Conference or conciliation to eliminate unfair practice. After the filing of a verified complaint, a true copy thereof shall be served by certified mail to the person against whom the complaint is filed. A member of the Fair Housing Board or a duly authorized agent shall then make a prompt investigation thereof and, if such investigating official determines that probable cause exists to support the allegations of the complaint, the investigating official shall immediately endeavor to eliminate such discriminatory or unfair housing practice by conference or conciliation.
(B) Notice to respondent to answer complaint; time for answer. In case of failure satisfactorily to settle a complaint by conference or conciliation, or in advance thereof if in the opinion of the investigating official circumstances so warrant, the officials may issue and cause to be served a written notice, together with a copy of such complaint, as the same may have been amended, requiring the person, hereafter referred to as respondent, to anser the charges of such complaint in writing within ten days after the date of such notice or within such extended time as the investigating official may allow.
(C) Notice to answer complaint after investigating official’s report; time for hearing. When the investigating official is satisfied that further endeavor to settle a complaint by conference or conciliation will be futile, the official shall report the same to the Board. If the Board determines that the circumstances warrant, it shall issue and cause to be served a written notice requiring the respondent to answer the charges of such complaint at a hearing to be set within a reasonable period of time before the Board, and at a time and place to be specified in such notice.
(D) Respondent’s answer and appearing at hearing. The respondent may file a written verified answer to the complaint, and may appear at the hearing in person, with or without counsel, and submit testimony.
(Ord. passed - -)