O-757-92 09/14/92VILLAGE OF LEMONT
ORDINANCE NO.
757
FAIR HOUSING ORDINANCE
ADOPTED BY THE
PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE VILLAGE OF LEMONT
This/tt day o
Published in pamphlet form by
authority of the President and
Board of Trustees of the Village
of Lemont, Counties of Cook„ Will,
and DuPa1e, I linos, this
day of .4_31A 'ilk , 1992.
1992.
PREAMBLE
RESOLUTION OF FINDINGS
An ordinance affirming a policy of fair housing within the
Municipality of Lemont prohibiting certain discriminatory acts in
connection with the sale and rental of dwellings, providing for the
enforcement of this ordinance, and providing penalties for
violations of the provisions thereof.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lemont,
County of Cook, Illinois (hereinafter "municipality "), finds that
the economic stability of the municipality and the welfare of its
citizens directly depend upon stable, integrated and balanced
living patterns; and
WHEREAS, it further finds that stable, integrated and balanced
living patterns are threatened by discriminatory acts and unlawful
housing practices; and
WHEREAS, it further finds that discriminatory acts and
unlawful housing practices violate the rights of individuals to
choose where to live; and
WHEREAS, it further finds that discriminatory acts and
unlawful housing practices contribute to the formation and
preservation of segregated neighborhoods, thereby affecting the
quality of daily life of the citizens of the municipality; and
WHEREAS, it further finds that discriminatory acts and
unlawful housing practices interfere with the achievement of
stable, integrated and balanced living patterns, thereby depriving
the citizens of the benefits of interracial, interreligious and
intercultural association.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipality of Lemont
finds that the provisions of this ordinance are essential to
eliminate discriminatory and unlawful housing practices and to
provide for fair housing and the promotion of stable, integrated
and balanced living patterns.
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ARTICLE I: GENERAL
Section 1.1: Declaration of Policy
In the exercise of its power to regulate for the protection of the
public health, safety, morals, and welfare, it is declared to be
the public policy of this municipality to assure fair housing and
freedom from discrimination throughout the community, to protect
the community from the effects of residential segregation by race,
color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status
or national origin, and to secure to its citizens the economic,
social and professional benefits of living in a stable, integrated
society.
Section 1.2: Construction
This ordinance shall be construed according to the fair import of
its terms, and shall be liberally construed to further the purposes
and policy stated and the special purposes of the particular
provision involved.
Section 1.3: Severability
If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge any provision
of this ordinance to be invalid, such judgement shall not affect
any other provision of this ordinance not specifically included in
said judgement. If any court of competent jurisdiction shall
adjudge invalid the application of any provision of this ordinance
to any person or circumstance, such judgement shall not affect the
application of said provision to any other person or circumstance
not specifically included in said judgement.
Section 1.4: Definitions
As used in this ordinance, the following terms have the following
meanings:
ANSI A117.1 -1986 means the 1986 edition of the American National
Standard for buildings and facilities providing accessibility and
usability for physically handicapped people.
Board means the Fair Housing Review Board.
Broker includes any person authorized to perform an action on
behalf of another person regarding any matter related to the scale
or rental of dwellings, including offers, solicitations or
contracts and the administration of matters regarding such offers,
solicitations or contracts or any residential real estate related
transactions.
Building means a structure, facility, or portion thereof that
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contains or serves one or more dwelling units.
Building Entrance on an Accessible Route means an accessible
entrance to a building that is connected by an accessible route to
public transportation stops, to accessible parking and passenger
loading zones, or to public streets or sidewalks, if available.
Charge means an allegation contained in a complaint.
Civil Rights Violation includes and shall be limited to only those
specific acts set forth in Articles II, III, and IV of this
ordinance.
Common Use Areas means rooms, spaces or elements inside or outside
of a building that are made available for the use of residents of
a building or the guests thereof. These areas include hallways,
lounges, lobbies, laundry rooms, refuse rooms, mail rooms,
recreational areas and passageways among and between buildings.
Complaint means the document filed by a complainant with the
Administering Agency.
Complainant means a party /person, including the Administering
Agency, who files a complaint.
Commission means the Human Relations Commission.
Community Residence means a group home or specialized residential
care home serving unrelated persons with disabilities.
Conciliation means the attempted resolution of issues raised by a
complaint, or the investigation of such charge, through informal
negotiations involving the aggrieved party, the respondent and the
Administering Agency.
Conciliation Agreement means a written agreement setting forth the
resolution of the issues in conciliation.
Controlled Substance means any drug or other substance, or
immediate precursor included in the definition in Section 102 of
the Controlled Substances Act (21U.S.C. 802).
Covered Multifamily Dwelling means a building consisting of four or
more units if such buildings have one or more elevators; and ground
floor units in other buildings consisting of four or more units.
Discriminate means to treat any person different from others
because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age sex,
ancestry, marital status, physical or mental handicap, familial
status, or unfavorable military discharge.
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Dwelling means any building structure or portion thereof which is
occupied as, or designated or intended for occupancy as, a
residence by one or more families or unrelated individuals, and any
vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction
or location thereon of any such building, structure or portion
thereof.
Elderly Person means a person 55 years of age or older.
Entrance means any access point to a building used by residents for
the purpose of entering.
Exterior means all areas of the premises outside of an individual
dwelling unit.
Family Status means one or more individuals who have not attained
the age of 18 years being domiciled with -
(a) a parent or a person having legal custody of such individual
or individuals;
(b) the designee of such parent or other person having such
custody, with the written permission of such parent or other
person; or
(c) persons who are pregnant or in the process of securing legal
custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18.
Financial Institution means any bank, credit union, insurance
company, mortgage banking company, savings and loan association, or
other entity or organization which makes or purchases loans or
provides other financial assistance and which operated or has a
place of business in the state of Illinois.
Handicap means, with respect to a person, a physical or mental
impairment which substantially limits one or more major life
activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarding as
having such an impairment.
Hearing means that part of an adjudicative proceeding that involves
the submission of evidence, either by oral presentation or written
submission, and includes the submission of briefs and oral
arguments on the evidence and applicable law.
Hearing Agency means the agency designated by the corporate
authorities of the municipality to conduct hearings on, and
adjudicate the question of, ordinance violations.
Housing Accommodation includes any improved or unimproved real
property or part thereof which is used or occupied or is intended,
arranged or designed to be used or occupied as the home or
residence of one or more individuals.
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Housing for Older Persons means -
(a) all housing that is provided under state and federal programs
for elderly persons as defined by the specific programs,
providing U.S. HUD approval has been secured;
(b) housing that is "intended for, and solely occupied by persons
62 years of age or older ";
(c) communities in which at least 80 percent of all units are
occupied by one person 55 years of age or older, if the
existence of significant facilities and services specifically
designed to meet the physical and social needs of older
persons can be documented.
Interior means the spaces, parts, components or elements of an
individual dwelling unit.
Loan includes, but is not limited to, the providing of funds, for
consideration, which are -
(a) sought for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, improving,
repairing, or maintaining a housing accommodation;
(b) sought for any commercial or industrial purposes; or
(c) secured by residential real estate.
Lease includes any sublease, assignment, or rental and any contract
to enter into any of the foregoing.
Marital Status means the legal status of being married, single,
separated, divorced or widowed.
Modification means any change to the public or common use areas of
a building or any change to a dwelling unit.
National Origin means the place in which a person or one of his or
her ancestors was born.
Offer means and includes every attempt by means of written or oral
communications to present for acceptance or rejection, to hold out
or proffer, to make a proposal to or to exhibit real estate that
may be taken or received with the intention of ultimately entering
a real estate transaction.
Owner means any person who holds legal or equitable title to, or
owns any beneficial interest in, any real estate, or holds legal or
equitable title to shares of, or any beneficial interest in, an
equity which owns any real estate.
Panic Peddling means for profit, to induce or attempt to induce a
person to sell or rent a dwelling by representation regarding the
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entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or
persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, familial
status, national origin, or handicap.
Person includes one or more individuals, corporations partnerships,
associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual
companies, joint -stock companies, trusts, unincorporated
organizations, trustees, or trustees in cases under Title 11 of the
United States Code.
Person in the business of selling or renting dwellings means any
person who -
(a) within the preceding 12 month has participated as principal in
three or more transactions involving the sale or rental of any
dwelling or any interest therein;
(b) within the preceding 12 months, has participated as agent,
other than in the sale of his or her own personal residence,
in providing sales or rental facilities or sales or rental
services in two or more transactions involving the sale or
rental of any dwelling or interest therein; or
(c) is the owner of any dwelling designed or intended for
occupancy by, or occupied by, five or more families.
Physical or Mental Impairment includes -
(a) any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic
disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the
following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal;
special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs;
cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genito- urinary; hemic
and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or
(b) any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental
retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental
illness, and specific learning disabilities.
Premises means the interior or exterior spaces, parts, components
or elements of a building, including individual dwelling units and
the public and common use areas of a building.
Protected Classes includes all persons legally protected against
discrimination.
Public Contract includes every contract to which the State of
Illinois, any of its political subdivisions or any municipal
corporation is a party.
Public Use Area means interior or exterior rooms or spaces of a
building that are made available to the general public. Public use
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may be provided at a building that is privately or publicly owned.
Real Estate Transaction means the purchase, sale or fee equitable
title to, or beneficial interest in, or rental or lease of, any
real property; or an option to do any of the foregoing, or any
negotiation, listing, contract, or agreement in connection
therewith. Real Estate Transaction also includes the brokering or
appraising of residential real property and the making or
purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance for
purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a
dwelling or secured by residential real estate.
Real Property includes buildings, structures, real estate, lands,
tenements, lease holds, interest in real estate cooperatives,
condominiums, and hereditaments, corporeal and incorporeal, or any
interest therein.
Religion includes all aspects of religious observance and practice,
as well as belief; and all aspects of religious non - observance,
non - practice and non - belief.
Respondent means -
(a) the person or other entity against whom a discriminatory
housing practice has been alleged in a complaint;
(b) any other person or entity identified in the course of
investigation and notified as required under Article VIII of
this ordinance.
Sex means the status of being male or female.
Solicit or Solicitation means any communication by or on behalf of
a real estate agent with the owner of occupant of a dwelling -
(a) which is intended to include the sale or rental of such
dwelling;
(b) which is intended to offer or promote services in connection
with the sale, rental or listing of such dwelling; and
(c) which is carried out by means of
(1) in- person contacts at the dwelling;
(2) written material mailed or delivered directly to the
dwelling, such as direct mail, leaflets or pamphlets; or
(3) telephone contacts with owners or occupants of the
dwelling.
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For purposes of this Ordinance, the term "solicit" or
"solicitation" shall not refer to communication carried out by
means of print or electronic media of general circulation, such as
a newspaper, radio, television, or the yellow pages.
Steering means influencing or attempting to influence by words or
acts the choice or location of housing of a prospective purchaser,
occupant, or tenant, in connection with viewing, buying, leasing,
or occupying real estate based on race, color, religion, sex,
familial status, national origin, or handicap so as to limit choice
or promote or maintain segregation.
To Rent includes to lease, to sublease, to let, and to otherwise
grant for consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by
the occupant.
Varying Terms includes, but is not limited to, the following
practices:
(a) Requiring a greater down payment than is usual for the
particular type of a loan involved.
(b) Requiring a shorter period of amortization than is usual for
the particular type of loan involved.
(c) Charging a higher interest rate than is usual for the
particular type of loan involved.
(d) Under - appraising of real estate or other items of property
offered as security.
ARTICLE II: PROHIBITED ACTS GENERAL
It shall be unlawful to:
Section 2.1: Discriminatory Terms
Discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or
privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of
services or facilities in connection therewith, because of race,
color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status,
or national origin.
Section 2.2: Refusal to Negotiate, Deal, Sell or Rent
Refuse to sell or rent, after the making of a bona fide offer, or
to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make
unavailable or deny a dwelling to any person because of race,
color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status,
or national origin.
Section 2.3: Withholding Dwellings
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Represents to any person because of race, color, religion, sex,
physical or mental handicap, familial status, or national origin
that any dwelling is not available for inspection, sale, or rental
when such dwelling is in fact available.
Section 2.4: Advertisement, Signs, Notices
Make, print circulate, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or
published, any written or oral notice, statement, or advertisement,
with respect to the sale of the rental of a dwelling that indicates
any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color,
religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status, or
national origin or an intention to make such preference,
limitation, or discrimination. Discriminatory notices, statements
and advertisements include, but are not limited to:
(a) Using words, phrases, photographs, illustration, symbols, or
forms which convey that dwellings are available or not
available to a particular group of persons because of
race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap,
familial status, or national origin.
(b) Expressing to agents, brokers, employees, prospective sellers
or renters or any other person a preference for a limitation
on any purchaser or renter because of race, color, religion,
sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status, or national
origin of such persons.
(c) Selecting media or locations for advertising the sale or
rental of dwellings which deny particular segments of the
housing market information about housing opportunities because
of race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap,
familial status, or national origin.
(d) Refusing to publish advertising for the sale or rental of
dwellings, or requiring different charges or terms for such
advertising because of race, color, religion, sex, physical or
mental handicap, familial status, or national origin.
Section 2.5: Panic Peddling
For profit, to induce or attempt to induce a person to sell or rent
a dwelling by representation regarding the entry or prospective
entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular
race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial
status, or national origin.
Prohibited actions under this section include, but are not limited
to:
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(a) Engaging for profit in conduct (including uninvited
solicitations for listings) which conveys to a person that a
neighborhood is undergoing or is about to undergo a change in
the race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap,
familial status, or national origin of persons to offer a
dwelling for sale or rental.
(b) Encouraging, for profit, any person to sell or rent a dwelling
through assertions that the entry or prospective entry of
persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, familial
status, or national origin or with handicaps can or will
result in undesirable consequences for this project,
neighborhood or community, such as a lowering of property
values, an increase in criminal or antisocial behavior, or a
decline in the quality of schools or other services or
facilities.
Section 2.6: Lending
Discriminate in connection with borrowing or lending money,
guaranteeing loans, accepting mortgages, or otherwise financing a
real estate transaction on the grounds of race, color, religion,
sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status, or national
origin.
Section 2.7: Lending Terms
Deny or delay the processing of a loan or other financial
assistance to a person applying therefore for the purpose of
purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a
dwelling; or discriminate in the fixing of that amount, interest
rate, duration, or other terms or conditions of such loan or other
financial assistance because of race, color, religion, sex,
physical or mental handicap, familial status, or national origin of
such person.
Section 2.8: Appraising /Insurance
Discriminate in the appraisal of the value of real estate or in the
sale of insurance in connection with a real estate transaction
because of the race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental
handicap, familial status, or national origin of the person.
Section 2.9: Varying Rents /Sale Price
Impose different sale prices or rental charges for the sale or
rental of a dwelling upon any person because of because of the
race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial
status, or national origin.
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Section 2.10: Qualification Criteria
Use different qualification criteria or application, or sale or
rental standards or procedures, such as income standards,
application requirements, application fees, credit analysis or sale
or rental approval procedures or other requirements, because of
race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial
status, or national origin.
Section 2.11: Eviction
Evict tenants because of their race, color, religion, sex,
handicap, familial status, or national origin, or because of the
race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial
status, or national origin of a tenant's guest.
Section 2.12: Listings
Enter into a listing agreement which discriminates against any
person because of race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental
handicap, familial status, or national origin.
Section 2.13: Discrimination in
Membership or Services
Deny any person access to or membership or participation in any
multiple - listing service, real estate brokers' organization or
other service, organization, or facility relating to the business
of selling or renting dwellings or to discriminate against any
person in the terms or conditions of such access, membership or
participation on account of race, color, religion, sex, physical or
mental handicap, familial status, or national origin.
Section 2.14: Steering (Restriction of Choice)
Restrict or attempt to restrict, because of race, color, religion,
sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status, or national
origin, the choices of a person by words or acts in connection with
buying or renting a dwelling so as to perpetuate, or tend to
perpetuate, segregated housing patterns, or to discourage or
obstruct integrated housing.
Prohibited actions under this section, which are generally referred
to as unlawful steering practices, include, but are not limited to
the following:
(a) Discouraging any person from inspecting, purchasing or renting
a dwelling because of race, color, religion, sex, physical or
mental handicap, familial status, or national origin; or
because of the race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental
handicap, familial status, or national origin of persons in a
community, neighborhood, or development, so as to perpetuate,
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or tend to perpetuate, segregated housing patterns, or to
discourage or obstruct integrated housing.
(b) Discourage the purchase or rental of a dwelling because of
race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap,
familial status, or national origin by exaggerating drawbacks
or failing to inform any person of desirable features of a
dwelling or of a community, neighborhood, or development, so
as to perpetuate, or tend to perpetuate, segregated housing
patterns, or to discourage or obstruct integrated housing.
(c) Communicating to any prospective purchaser that he or she
would not be comfortable or compatible with existing residents
of a community, neighborhood or development because of race,
color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial
status, or national origin, so as to perpetuate, or tend to
perpetuate, segregated housing patterns, or to discourage or
obstruct integrated housing.
(d) Assigning any person to a particular section of a community,
neighborhood or development, or to a particular floor of a
building, because of race, color, religion, sex, physical or
mental handicap, familial status, or national origin, so as to
perpetuate, or tend to perpetuate, segregated housing
patterns, or to discourage or obstruct integrated housing.
(e) Failing to inform any person of available housing
opportunities in a particular section of a community,
neighborhood or development, or in a particular building or
particular floor of a building, because of race, color,
religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status,
or national origin, so as to perpetuate, or tend to
perpetuate, segregated housing patterns, or to discourage or
obstruct integrated housing.
Section 2.15: Participation
Act or undertake to act as a real estate broker, salesman, or agent
with respect to any dwelling, the disposition of which requires
said person to participate in discrimination.
Section 2.16: Restrictions
Perform any act of discrimination with the intention or effect of
restricting or limiting the housing choice of any person.
Section 2.17: Aiding and Abetting
Aid or abet acts performed in violation of this ordinance.
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Section 2.18: Interference, Coercion, or Intimidation
Coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the
exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his having exercised or
enjoyed, or on account of his having aided or encouraged any other
person in the exercise of enjoyment of any right granted or
protected by this ordinance.
Section 2.19: Solicitation
Solicit any owner to sell or rent or list residential property at
any time after such person has notice that such owner does not
desire to sell, rent, or list such residential property. For the
purpose of this subsection, notice must be provided as follows:
(a) The notice may be given by the owner personally or by a third
party in the owner's name, either in the form of an individual
notice or a list, provided it complies with subsection (b)
below.
(b) Such notice shall be explicit as to whether each owner on the
notice seeks to avoid both solicitation for listing and sale,
as well as the period of time for which any avoidance is
desired. The notice shall be dated and either of the
following shall apply:
(1) each owner shall have signed the notice; or
(2) the person or entity preparing the notice shall provide
an accompanying affidavit to the effect that all the
names on the notice are, in fact, genuine as to the
identity of the persons listed and that such persons have
requested not to be solicited as indicated.
(c) The individual notice or notice in the form of a list with
accompanying affidavit shall be served personally or by
certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
ARTICLE III: PROHIBITED ACTS
HANDICAPPED HOUSING
In addition to those prohibited acts identified in Articles II and
IV, the following shall also be unlawful:
Section 3.1: Discrimination Against the Handicapped
(a) To discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions,
or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the
provision of services or facilities in connection with such
dwelling, because of a handicap of -
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(1) that buyer or renter
(2) a person residing in or intending to reside in that
dwelling after it is so sold, rented, or made available;
or
(3) any person associated with that person.
(b) To make an inquiry to determine whether an applicant for a
dwelling; a person intending to reside in that dwelling after
it is sold, rented or made available; or any person associated
with that person has a handicap, or to make inquiry as to the
nature or severity of a handicap of such a person.
(c) However, this section does not prohibit the following
inquiries, provided these inquiries are made of all
applicants, whether or not they have handicaps:
(1) Inquiry into the applicant's ability to meet the
requirements of ownership or tenancy.
(2) Inquiry to determine whether an applicant is qualified
for a dwelling available only to persons with handicaps
or to persons with a particular type of handicap.
(3) Inquiry to determine whether an applicant for a dwelling
is qualified for a priority available to persons with
handicaps or to persons with a particular type of
handicap.
(4) Inquiry to determine whether an applicant for a dwelling
is a current illegal abuser or addict of a controlled
substance.
(5) Inquiry to determine whether an applicant has been
convicted of the illegal manufacture or distribution of
a controlled substance.
(d) Nothing in this section requires that a dwelling be made
available to an individual whose tenancy would constitute a
direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or
whose tenancy would result in substantial physical damage to
the property of others.
Section 3.2: Unit Modification
To refuse to permit, at the expense of the handicapped person,
reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be
occupied by such person if such modifications may be necessary to
afford such person full enjoyment of the premises; except that, in
the case of a rental, the landlord may, where it is reasonable to
do so, condition permission for a modification on the renter
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agreeing to restore the interior of the premises to the condition
that existed before the modifications, reasonable wear and tear
excepted.
Section 3.3: Rules and Policies
To refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies,
practices, or services, when such accommodation may be necessary to
afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling,
including public and common use areas.
Section 3.4: New Construction
To fail to design and construct dwellings after March 13, 1992 in
such a manner that -
(a) the public use and common use portions of such dwellings are
readily accessible to and usable by a handicapped person;
(b) all the doors designed to allow passage into and within all
premises within such dwellings are sufficiently wide to allow
passage by handicapped persons in wheelchairs; and
(c) all premises within such dwellings contain the following
features of adaptive design:
(1) an accessible route into and through the dwelling;
(2) light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and
other environmental controls in accessible locations;
(3) reinforcements in bathroom walls to allow later
installation of grab bars; and
(4) usable kitchens and bathrooms such that an individual in
a wheelchair can maneuver about the space.
Section 3.5: Guide /Support Dogs
To refuse to sell or rent because a person has a guide, hearing or
support dog. It is a civil rights violation for the owner or agent
of any housing accommodation to -
(a) refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer,
or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or
otherwise make unavailable or deny property to any blind,
hearing impaired of physically handicapped person because he
has a guide, hearing or support dog; or
(b) discriminate against any blind, hearing impaired, or
physically handicapped person in the terms, conditions, or
privileges of sale or rental property, or in the provision of
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service or facilities in connection therewith, because he has
a guide, hearing or support dog; or
(c) require, because a blind, hearing impaired, or physically
handicapped person has a guide, hearing or support dog, and
extra charge in a lease, rental agreement, or contract of
purchase or sale, other than for actual damage done to the
premises by the dog.
ARTICLE IV: PROHIBITED ACTS FINANCIAL
In addition to those prohibited acts identified in Articles II and
III, it shall be a violation for any financial institution, on the
grounds of unlawful discrimination to -
(a) deny any person any of the services normally offered by such
an institution.
(b) provide any person with any service which is different from,
or provided in a different manner than, that which is provided
to other persons similarly situated;
(c) deny or vary the terms of a loan because of race, color,
religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status,
or national origin;
(d) deny or vary the terms of a loan on the basis that a specific
parcel of real estate offered as security is located in a
specific geographical area;
(e) deny or vary the terms of a loan without having considered all
of the regular and dependable income of each person who would
be liable for repayment of the loan;
(f) utilize lending standards that have no economic basis;
(g) refuse to purchase or impose different terms or conditions on
loans or other debts or securities which support the purchase,
construction, improvement, repair or securities which support
the purchase, construction, improvement, repair or maintenance
of a dwelling, or which are secured by residential real estate
because of race, color religion, sex, physical or mental
handicap, familial status, or national origin.
ARTICLE V: COVERAGE AND EXEMPTIONS
Nothing in this ordinance, other than the prohibition against
discriminatory advertising, shall -
(a) apply to the following:
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(1) The rental, lease, or occupancy of a room in an owner -
occupied single family dwelling, provided the following
conditions are met -
(i) the owner does not own or have any interest in more
than three single family houses at any one time;
(ii) the house is sold or rented without the use of a
real estate broker, agent or salesperson or the
facilities of any person in the person of selling
or renting dwellings.
(2) Rooms or units in dwellings containing living quarters
occupied or intended to be occupied by no more than four
families living independently of each other, if the owner
actually maintains and occupies one of such living
quarters as his or her residence.
(b) prohibit a religious organization, association, or society, or
any non - profit institution or organization operated,
supervised, or controlled by or in conjunction with a
religious organization or society from limiting the sale,
rental or occupancy of dwellings which it owns or operates for
other than commercial purposes to persons of the same
religion, or from giving preference to such person, unless
membership in such religion is restricted on account of
race, color,religion, sex, physical or mental handicap,
familial status, or national origin;
(c) prohibit a private club not in fact open to the public, which
as an incident to its primary purpose or purposes provides
lodgings which it owns or operates for other than a commercial
purpose, from limiting the rental or occupancy of such
lodgings to its members and their guests or from giving
preference to its members;
(d) prohibit the rental or sale of dwelling on the basis of age or
handicap when such swelling is authorized, approved, financed,
or subsidized in whole or in part by a unit of state, local,
or federal government;
(e) limit the applicability of any reasonable local, state, or
federal restrictions regarding the maximum number of occupants
permitted to occupy a dwelling;
require the rental or sale of a unit to any person convicted
of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled
substance;
(g) with regard to discrimination based on familial status apply
with respect to housing for older persons as defined in
Section 1.4 of this ordinance;
(f)
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(h) apply to persons engaged in the business of furnishing
appraisals of real property from taking into consideration
factors other than those based on unlawful discrimination or
familial status in furnishing appraisals;
(i) prohibit financial institutions from considering sound
underwriting practices in contemplation of any loan to any
person. Such practices shall include the following:
(1) The willingness and the financial ability of the borrower
to repay the loan.
(2) The market value of any real estate or other item of
property proposed as security for any loan.
(j)
(3)
Diversification of the financial institution's investment
portfolio.
prohibit a person engaged in the business of furnishing
appraisals of real property from taking into consideration
factors other than race, creed, age, ancestry, unfavorable
military discharge, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial
status, or national origin.
ARTICLE VI: ADMINISTRATION
The Administering Agency, Village Manager, or President and
Trustees, shall appoint an Administrator. The Administrator shall
have such duties, responsibilities, and powers as are necessary for
the implementation of this ordinance and additionally as may be
provided by the Administering Agency or President and Trustees,
including the issuing, initiation, receipt, and due processing of
complaints.
ARTICLE VII:
COMPLAINTS,
CONCILIATION,
HEARING,
PROCEDURES
Section 7.1: Complaint
(a) Any person aggrieved in any manner by a violation of any
provision of this ordinance may file with the Administering
Agency /Administrator a written verified complaint setting
forth his or her grievance within 1 year after the date of the
alleged violation. The complaint shall state, on a printed
form provided by the Administering Agency, such detail as to
substantially apprise any party properly concerned as to the
time, place, and facts surrounding the alleged violations of
this ordinance.
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(b) A complaint may be filed against any person alleged to be
engaged, to have engaged, or about to engage in a
discriminatory housing practice.
(c) A complaint may also be filed against any person who directs
or controls, or has the right to direct or control, the
conduct of another person with respect to any aspect of the
sale, rental, advertising or financing of dwellings or the
provision of brokerage services relating to the sale or rental
of dwellings if that other person, acting within the scope of
his or her authority as employee or agent of the directing or
controlling person, is engaged, has engaged, or is about to
engage, in a discriminatory housing practice.
Section 7.2: Notice of Complaint
Within 10 calendar days after a complaint has been received or
initiated by the Administering Agency or the Administrator, the
Administering Agency shall serve or cause to be served, either in
person or by certified mail, a copy of said complaint on the person
alleged to be in violation of this ordinance, hereinafter referred
to as the respondent.
The Administrator shall also, within 10 days of the date on which
the complaint was filed, send written notice to the complainant
informing the complainant of his or her option to file a complaint
with U.S. HUD, the Illinois Human Rights Department, federal or
state courts, including the dates within which the complainant may
exercise such options.
Section 7.3: Injunctive Temporary Relief
(a) At any time after a complaint is filed and determined to
constitute a violation of this ordinance, the Administering
Agency may petition the appropriate court for temporary
relief, pending final determination of the proceedings under
this ordinance, including an order or degree restraining the
respondent from doing or causing any act which would render
ineffectual a recommendation with respect to the complaint.
Such petition shall contain a certification by the
Administering Agency /Administrator that the particular matter
presents exceptional circumstances in which irreparable injury
will result from a violation of this ordinance in the absence
of temporary relief.
(b) The petition shall be filed in the circuit court for the
county in which the respondent resides or transacts business
or in which the alleged violation took place.
(c) When the petition is based upon a civil rights violation as
defined in this ordinance, any relief or restraining order
entered by the court shall not exceed 5 days unless -
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(1) a longer period is agreed to by the respondent; or
(2) the court finds there is substantial evidence to
demonstrate that the respondent has engaged in violations
of this ordinance.
Section 7.4: Respondent Response
The respondent shall serve a verified copy of his or her response
to all allegations contained in the complaint within 10 calendar
days of the date on which respondent was served a copy of the
complaint.
The Administrator shall issue a notice of default directed to any
respondent who fails to file a verified response to a complaint
within 10 calendar days of the date on which the complainant was
served, unless the respondent can demonstrate good cause as to why
such notice should not be issued.
Section 7.5: Complainant Response
Within 10 calendar days of the date he receives the respondent's
response, the complainant may file his reply to said response. If
he chooses to file a reply, the complainant shall serve a copy of
said reply on the respondent or his representative. A party shall
have the right to supplement his response or reply at any time that
the investigation of the complaint is pending.
Section 7.6: Investigation
(a) The Administering Agency shall order a prompt investigation of
the complaint, completing such an investigation within 100
calendar days after the filing of the complaint.
(b) Unless it is impossible to do so, upon review of the report
and within 100 calendar days after the filing of the
complaint, the Administrator shall determine whether there is
substantial evidence that the alleged ordinance violation has
been committed or is about to be committed.
(c) If the Administering Agency is unable to make the
determination within 100 calendar days after the filing of the
complaint, the Administrator shall notify the complainant and
respondent in writing of the reasons for not doing so.
(d) If the Administering Agency determines that there is no
substantial evidence, the complaint shall be dismissed and the .
complainant notified that he or she may seek review of the
dismissal order before the Adjudicative Agency. The
complainant shall have 30 calendar days from receipt of notice
to file a request for review by the Adjudicative Agency. The
Adjudicative Agency shall -
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(1) uphold the finding of insubstantial evidence, or
(2) reverse the finding of insubstantial evidence and remand
the complaint of the Administering Agency for
conciliation.
(e) If the Administering Agency determines that there is
substantial evidence it shall immediately notify the parties
and schedule a conciliation meeting.
Section 7.7: Conciliation
(a) During the period beginning with the filing of a complaint and
ending with a dismissal or a referral to the Adjudicative
Agency, the Administering Agency or Administrator shall, to
the extent feasible, engage in conciliation with respect to
such complaint.
(b) If the Administrator determines -
(1) that conciliation is feasible, the complainant and
respondent shall be notified of the time and place of the
conciliation meeting by registered or certified mail at
least 7 calendar days prior thereto and both parties
shall appear at the meeting in person or by attorney; or
(2) that attempts at conciliation would not further the
objectives of this ordinance, or that the complaint
cannot be resolved by conciliation, the Administrator
shall report and transfer the complaint and filings to
the Adjudicative Agency.
(c) The Administrator shall attempt by all accepted methods of
conciliation and lawful persuasion to resolve the grievance
delineated in the complaint.
(d) Nothing occurring at the conciliation meeting shall be made
public or used as evidence in a subsequent proceeding for the
purpose of proving a violation under this Ordinance unless the
complainant and respondent agree in writing that such
disclosure be made.
(e) An agreement arising out of such conciliation shall be treated
as a settlement pursuant to Section 7.10 of this ordinance.
A conciliation may provide for binding arbitration of the
dispute arising from the complaint. Any such arbitration that
results from a conciliation agreement may award relief as
provided for in this ordinance.
(f)
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Section 7.8: Hearing on Complaint
Within 15 days of receiving a complaint from the Administering
Agency, the Adjudicative Agency shall, upon due and reasonable
notice to all parties, schedule a public hearing on the complaint.
The public hearing shall be scheduled no sooner than 30 days from
the date of the notice, nor later than 60 days from the date of the
notice.
All parties shall be entitled to be represented by legal counsel,
and shall have the right to call witnesses in their on behalf and
to cross - examine witnesses. All parties to the proceedings may
apply to the Adjudicative Agency to have subpoenas issued in the
name of the Adjudicative Agency. Testimony taken at the
conference /hearing shall be made under oath or affirmation and a
transcript shall be made and filed in the office of the
Administering Agency /Administrator.
Section 7.9: Report /Decision
(a) The Adjudicative Agency shall issue a written report within 30
days of the conclusion of the public hearing. The
report /decision shall include a summary of the testimony,
exhibits admitted into evidence, and a finding of whether a
violation of the ordinance was proven by a preponderance of
the evidence. The report /decision shall also contain a
recommendation /order of the relief that may include one of
more of the elements provided for in Article VIII.
(b) If the Administering Agency determines that a respondent has
not complied in a timely manner with the decision, the
Administrative Agency shall refer the matter to the municipal
attorney who shall seek judicial enforcement of the decision.
Section 7.10: Settlement
(a) Circumstances: a settlement of any complaint may be effected
at any time prior to a decision /report by the Adjudicative
Agency upon agreement of the parties and the approval of the
Adjudicative Agency.
(b) Settlement: each settlement agreement shall be made public
unless the complainant and respondent otherwise agree and the
Administrator determines that disclosure is not required to
further the purpose of this ordinance.
(c) Form: settlements of complaints prior to the issuing of a
report /decision shall be issued in writing by the
Administrator, signed by the parties, and submitted by the
Administrator to the Adjudicative Agency.
(d) Settlement Violation: when either party alleges that a
22
settlement order has been violated, the Administrator shall
conduct an investigation into the matter. If substantial
evidence demonstrates that a settlement has been violated, the
Administrator shall refer the matter to the municipal attorney
for enforcement in the circuit court in which the respondent
or complainant resides or transacts business or in which the
alleged violation took place.
ARTICLE VIII: PENALTY /FINES:
REMEDIES /RELIEF
Section 8.1: Penalties /Fines
Any person violating any provision of this ordinance may be
directed to -
(a) cease and desist from any violation of this ordinance;
(b) pay a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest -
(1) in an amount not exceeding $10,000 if the respondent has
not been adjudged to have committed any prior violations
of any provision of this ordinance;
(2) in an amount not exceeding $25,000 if the respondent has
been adjudged to have committed one other violation of
this ordinance during the 5 year period prior to the
filing date of the current complaint;
in an amount not exceeding $50,000 if the respondent has
been adjudged to have committed two or more violations of
this ordinance during the 7 -year period prior to the
filing date of the current complaint.
(3)
8.2 Remedies /Relief
In addition to the penalties and fines delineated in Section 8.1 of
this ordinance, the Adjudicative Agency may undertake additional
actions, including but not limited to the following:
(a) Directing the respondent to pay compensatory /actual damages
(including damages to compensate for mental anguish), punitive
damages, attorney fees and costs.
(b) Directing the respondent to provide other equitable relief
including, but not limited to, access to the dwelling, the
provision of the services or facilities in connection with a
dwelling, or other specific relief.
(c) Directing the respondent to provide other injunctive relief
23
appropriate to the elimination of discriminatory housing
practices affecting the aggrieved person or other persons.
(d) Directing the Administrator to send copies of the
decision /report to the Department of Professional Registration
of the State and recommend appropriate disciplinary action,
including, where appropriate, the suspension or revocation of
the license of the respondent.
(e) Further, any persons violating any provision of this ordinance
may also be required to undertake actions to prevent future
discriminatory housing practices; to undertake remedial
affirmative activities to overcome discriminatory housing
practices; or to undertake various report requirements,
including but not limited to -
(1) requiring the respondent and all of the respondent's
brokers, associate brokers, salespeople and agents and
employees who are employed as sales or rental agents or
have contractual relationship with him and are
responsible for sales and /or rental of any residential
properties, to attend a fair housing training session
conducted by U.S. HUD or an agency acceptable to the
President and Trustees. Such training session shall
cover federal, state and local fair housing laws,
applicable case law, and real life or role playing
situation. Costs of such training session shall be borne
by the defendant;
(2) requiring all agents and employees of any respondent,
owner and /or management company to utilize the fair
housing logo and slogan in all advertising and telephone
directories, and on all company stationery, forms,
pamphlets and brochures;
requiring all agents and employees of any respondent,
owner and /or management company to post and maintain, in
a manner conspicuous to tenants and prospective tenants,
buyers and prospective buyers, the fair housing poster
and logo;
(4) requiring any respondent owner and /or management company
to provide quarterly reports in writing for a period of
5 years of the names,' addresses, race and sex of each
prospective buyer /renter who seeks respondent's aid in
locating housing and the subsequent showings to each
prospective buyer /renter and the final disposition.
(3)
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ARTICLE IX: APPEAL PROCEDURES
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Adjudicative Agency
shall have the right to appeal in accordance with the following
procedure:
(a) First, initial reconsideration by the full board of the
Adjudicative Agency. This appeal shall be initiated by filing
with the Administrator, within 7 calendar days of the
decision, a written statement of setting forth specifically
the grounds for reconsideration. These grounds shall be
supported by argument and served on all parties at the time
they are filed with the Administrator. The Adjudicative
Agency, after reviewing the statement, shall -
(1) render a revised decision notifying all parties within 14
calendar days of the filing of the statement for initial
reconsideration; or
(2) issue and serve on all parties a written order for
rehearsing the case, citing the cause and additional
evidence; or
(3) uphold the decision.
(b) Second, appeal to the President and Trustees in case where the
Adjudicative Agency decision has been upheld. The appeal
shall be initiated within 7 calendar days of the initial
decision, by filing with the Adjudicative Agency a written
statement as delineated in (a) above. After reviewing the
statement and hearing record, the President and Trustees shall
(1) render a revised decision notifying all parties within 30
calendar days of the filing of the appeal statement; or
(2) issue and serve on all parties a written order for
rehearing the case, citing the cause and additional
evidence; or
(3) uphold the decision of the Adjudicative Agency.
(c) After a decision by the President and Trustees the aggrieved
person may apply for judicial review under writ of certiorari.
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PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE VILLAGE OF LEMONT, COUNT S OF COOK, DuPAGE, AND WILL,
ILLINOIS, on this 164 day of 1992.
Kenneth Bromberek
Barbara Buschman
Bert Ercoli
Richard Kwasneski
William Margalus
Ralph Schobert
AYES NAYS PASSED ABSENT
v
v
v
v
OHARLENE SMOLLEN, Village Clerk
Approved by me this ! 7 day of
Attest:
CHARLENE SMOLLEN, Village Clerk
Prepared by:
Village of Lemont
418 Main Street
Lemont, IL 60439