Fair Housing Procedures

Declaration of Policy

In furthering the policy of the state as expressed in the Constitution and other laws, so that the safety and general welfare, peace, and health of all the inhabitants of the City may be insured, it is hereby declared the policy of the City to assure equal opportunity to all Residents, regardless of:

  • Color
  • Creed
  • National Origin or Ancestry
  • Physical or Mental Handicap to Live in Decent, Sanitary, Healthful, Standard Living Quarters
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Sex

View the Fair Housing Policy and the list of Prohibited Acts (PDF).

Fair Housing Complaint Procedure

Any person aggrieved by any violation of the City's Fair Housing Code provision may file a written signed complaint setting forth their grievance on a form obtainable in the City Clerk's office at City Hall.

  • After the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall render a written report and recommendations which shall be served in person or by mail upon the complainant, the party complained against, the City Manager, and the City Council of Carbondale, together with their recommendation, if any, that the City Attorney be instructed to seek injunction relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to prohibit such violation and to prosecute any person or persons who may violate any provisions of Title 4, Chapter 11, Sections 4-11-1 through 4-11-8 of the Carbondale Revised Code.
  • The City Manager shall, within three business days of receipt of the complaint from the City Clerk, appoint an appropriate Hearing Officer and provide the Hearing Officer with a copy of the complaint. The City Manager may also serve as the Administrative Hearing Officer.
  • The Hearing Officer shall decide if the complaint is within their jurisdiction and give written notice of their decision to all affected parties within five business days of receipt of the complaint from the City Manager.
  • If the Hearing Officer finds the complaint to be within their jurisdiction, a conciliation hearing will be called within 14 business days from the initial receipt of the complaint by the City Clerk.
  • If such attempts at conciliation are not successful, the Hearing Officer shall, within 21 days of receipt of a written complaint, proceed promptly to set a date for a formal hearing to be held within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint.
  • The Hearing Officer shall conduct such a formal hearing upon due and reasonable notice of all parties concerned.
  • Upon receipt of a written signed complaint, the City Clerk shall notify the City Manager of receipt of the complaint and provide the City Manager with a copy.
  • The complaint must be filed with the Clerk of the City of Carbondale within 30 days from the date of commission of the alleged violation (or written 180 days in the case of a relocation grievance).

Penalty

Any person convicted of violating any of the provisions of the City's Fair Housing Code shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $750. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. This penalty shall, in no way, abrogate or impair the right of the City to specifically enforce, by any legal means, any provisions of the City's Fair Housing Code.

Access the Fair Housing Complaint form.