Peoria — Ch. 17 Human Relations, Housing and Employment § 17-96
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this division, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section: Dwelling means any building or structure, or portion thereof, within the city which is arranged, designed or used as a home, residence or living quarters of one or more individuals. Familial status means one or more individuals (who have not attained the age of 18 years) being domiciled with: (1) A parent or person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (2) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. The protections afforded by this division against discrimination on the basis of familial status apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. Housing includes any building or structure, or portion thereof, within the city, which is used or occupied or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied as the home, residence or living quarters of one or more individual groups or families, and includes any vacant land within the city which is zoned and intended to be used for the construction of any such building or structure. Lending institution means any bank, insurance company, savings and loan association, other person in the business of lending money or guaranteeing loans, any person in the business of obtaining, arranging or negotiating loans or guarantees as agent or broker, and any person in the business of buying or selling loans or instruments for the payment of money which are secured by title to or a security interest in real estate; but shall not include any religious institution or organization nor any charitable or educational organization operated, supervised or controlled by a religious institution or organization. Owner means any person who holds legal or equitable title to, or owns any beneficial interest in, any dwelling or housing; or who holds legal or equitable title to shares of, or holds any beneficial interest in, any real estate cooperative which owns any dwelling or housing. Person includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, legal representatives, mutual companies, unincorporated organizations, trusts, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and fiduciaries. Sexual orientation means having, or being perceived as having, an emotional, physical or sexual attraction to another person, without regard to the gender of that person; or having, or being perceived as having, an orientation for such attraction; or having, or being perceived as having, a self image or identity not traditionally associated with one's biological maleness or femaleness. Sexual orientation does not include a physical or sexual attraction to a minor by an adult. Cross reference-- Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2 .
Section 17-96 of Peoria's Chapter 17 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the city's fair housing division. Key terms such as "dwelling," "housing," "familial status," "sexual orientation," "owner," "person," and "lending institution" are each given specific legal meanings that govern how the rest of the division is interpreted and applied. Notably, familial status protections extend not only to households with minor children but also to pregnant individuals and those in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor. These definitions set the scope of who and what is covered under Peoria's local fair housing rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 17-96, property owners and managers operating within Peoria should be aware that the terms used throughout the fair housing division carry precise legal definitions that may differ from everyday usage. For example, "owner" encompasses those holding equitable or beneficial interests—not just those on a deed—and "housing" includes vacant land zoned for residential construction. Operators who understand these definitions are better positioned to apply the division's anti-discrimination requirements consistently across their properties and transactions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 17-96 defines the terms that determine who is protected under Peoria's local fair housing rules, which matters when evaluating whether a housing-related complaint may apply to a given situation. The broad definitions of "familial status" and "sexual orientation" mean that protections can extend to a wide range of individuals, including pregnant persons and those perceived as having a particular sexual orientation. Tenants who believe they may have experienced discrimination can consult a local tenant-rights organization or the relevant municipal body to understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation