The general purposes of this article are to:

(1)

Secure for all people equal access to housing in all neighborhoods.

(2)

Preserve the public safety, health and welfare.

(Code 1977, § 8.36.010)

No person shall violate any of the provisions of 25 O.S. ch. 21, art. 4A (25 O.S. § 1451 et seq.), which provisions are hereby adopted by reference.

(Code 1977, §§ 8.36.020, 8.36.030)

(a)

Filing of complaint. Any person aggrieved by a discriminatory practice prohibited by this article may file with the clerk of the municipal court a complaint in writing under oath. The complaint shall be signed by the person claiming to be aggrieved, and shall state the name and address of the person alleged to have violated the provisions of this article, and shall further set forth the particulars of the violation, and may include such other information as may be required by the court. Complaints filed under this section must be filed within 30 days after the alleged violation, and failure to file within such time shall be considered a waiver of the application of this article. The court may issue a complaint on its own initiative at any time it is within the knowledge of the court that a person has violated any of the provisions of this article.

(b)

Investigation of complaint. The court shall investigate such complaint filed with the court, and shall attempt an adjustment of the complaint by means of conference and conciliation. Sixty days shall be allowed for the purpose of investigation, conference and conciliation. Upon determination that a complaint is not well founded, the court shall dismiss the complaint and notify the complainant and respondent in writing of the dismissal. If the court takes no action within 90 days of the filing of the complaint, it shall be considered as dismissed.

(c)

Notice of hearing. If conference or conciliation does not result in compliance with this article, the court shall cause to be issued and served in the name of the city a written notice, together with a copy of the complaint, requiring the person named in the complaint, referred to in this section as the respondent, to answer charges of the complaint at a hearing before the court at a time and place to be specified in the notice.

(d)

Conduct of hearing; finding by court. At the hearing provided for in subsection (c) of this section, the complaint shall be heard by the court. At the hearing, the complainant or person aggrieved may appear in person and/or by counsel, and the respondent may file a written answer to the complaint and may appear in person or by legal counsel. The court, when conducting any hearing pursuant to this section, may permit amendments to any complaint or answer, and the testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and shall be transcribed at the request of either party if made in writing at least 48 hours before the hearing, or at the direction of the court. If the court finds at the hearing that the respondent has engaged in any discriminatory practice prohibited by this article, it shall state its findings of fact, and shall so render a judgment and fine. If the court, upon hearing, finds that the respondent has not engaged in any discriminatory practice, it shall state its findings of fact, and shall issue and file an order dismissing the complaint.

(e)

Administrative rules. The court shall establish rules and regulations to govern and expedite and effectuate the procedure described in this section, and shall maintain the files provided for in this section.

(Code 1977, § 8.36.040)

Any and all notices required under the provisions of this article to be served upon any person may be served personally on such person, or by mailing a copy thereof by certified or registered mail, with return receipt requested, to the most current business or residence address of such person.

(Code 1977, § 8.36.050)