(A) The rights granted by §§ 152.03, 152.04, 152.05 and 152.06 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 such civil case brought pursuant to this section or § 152.10(D) from time to time before bringing it to trial, if the court believes that the conciliation efforts of the Board of County Commissioners are likely to result in satisfactory settlement of the alleged discriminatory housing practice complained of in the complaint made to the Board of County Commissioners, and which practice forms the basis for the action to the issuance of any court order issued under the authority of this chapter, and involving a bona a fide purchaser, encumbrances or tenant, without actual notice of the filing of 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 that $1,000 punitive damages, together with court costs and reasonable attorney fees in the case of a prevailing plaintiff; provided, that the plaintiff is, in the opinion of the court, not financially able to assume the attorney's fees.
(Ord. 2009-04, passed 12-21-2009)