Rochelle — Ch. 58 Human Relations § 58-31
Declaration of policy
Operative Text
It is declared to be the policy of the city in the exercise of its police power for the public safety, public health, and general welfare to assure equal opportunity to all persons to live in decent housing facilities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, handicap, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service as those terms are defined in 775 ILCS 5/1-103, and familial status, as defined in 775 ILCS 5/3-101(E), and, to that end, to prohibit discrimination in housing by any persons.
Rochelle Ch. 58 § 58-31 establishes the city's foundational policy of ensuring equal access to decent housing for all people, regardless of characteristics such as race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, disability, military status, discharge status, or familial status. The provision draws on definitions set out in Illinois state law (775 ILCS 5/1-103 and 5/3-101(E)) to give those terms precise meaning. Its core effect is to prohibit any person from engaging in housing discrimination within the city.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochelle Ch. 58 § 58-31, property owners and managers operating in the city are expected to conduct all housing-related activities — including rental, sale, and terms of occupancy — without regard to the protected characteristics enumerated in the provision. Compliant operators typically review their advertising, application processes, and lease terms to ensure no policy or practice singles out individuals based on race, religion, familial status, disability, military status, or the other categories listed. Familiarity with the Illinois Human Rights Act definitions referenced in § 58-31 helps operators understand the full scope of who is protected.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rochelle Ch. 58 § 58-31 affirms that residents and prospective residents have a right to equal access to housing free from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, religion, disability, familial status, and military discharge status, among others. If a tenant or applicant believes they have experienced discriminatory treatment in housing, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with a local human relations body, contacting the Illinois Department of Human Rights, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization familiar with the Illinois Human Rights Act. Consulting with a housing attorney or legal aid organization can help a person understand how § 58-31 and the referenced state statutes 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
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