(a) Whenever it is charged in writing and under oath by a person (referred to as the "complainant") that any person (referred to as the "respondent") has engaged or is engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice(s), or upon his or her own initiative in matters relating to such unlawful discriminatory practice(s), the fair housing officer shall initiate a preliminary investigation. Such preliminary investigation shall be an attempt to determine whether or not there is any merit to the charge. If it is determined after such preliminary investigation that it is not probable that any unlawful discriminatory practice has occurred, the fair housing officer shall notify the complainant and the respondent of his or her determination and no further action will be pursued. No such complaint shall be made later than 120 days after the date of occurrence of the act or practice complained of.
(b) If it is determined that it is probable that any unlawful discriminatory practice has occurred, the fair housing officer shall endeavor to eliminate such practice by informal methods of conference, conciliation and persuasion, which proceedings may include or involve the execution by the parties of a written conciliation agreement setting forth the manner, terms and conditions of the resolution of such dispute, and requiring compliance with any such terms and conditions. If, after the investigation and conference, the fair housing officer is satisfied that any unlawful discriminatory practice of the respondent will be eliminated, he or she may treat the complaint as conciliated.
(Ord. 29-96, passed 8-19-1996)