Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (2026) § 15-191
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires: COMMISSION. The Bellevue Fair Housing Commission. DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE. An act that is unlawful under this article. DWELLING. Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designated or intended for occupancy as, a residence for one or more families, 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. FAMILY. A single individual. PERSON. One or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers and fiduciaries. RESTRICTIVE COVENANT. Any specification limiting the transfer, rental or lease of any housing because of race, creed, color, national origin or ancestry. TO RENT. To lease, to sublease, to let and otherwise to grant for consideration the right to occupy the premises not owned by the occupant. (Ord. 2123, § 2, passed 3-10-1980)
Section 15-191 of Bellevue, Nebraska's fair housing ordinance establishes the foundational definitions that govern the rest of Article VI. Key terms include 'dwelling,' which covers residential buildings and vacant land intended for residential construction, and 'family,' which is defined broadly to include even a single individual. The definition of 'person' is expansive, encompassing individuals as well as a wide range of legal entities such as corporations, partnerships, and trusts. A 'restrictive covenant' is specifically defined as any limitation on the transfer, rental, or lease of housing based on race, creed, color, national origin, or ancestry.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Bellevue should be familiar with the definitions set out in § 15-191, as these terms shape the scope of obligations throughout Article VI. The broad definition of 'dwelling' means that vacant land offered for sale or lease for residential construction is covered, not just existing structures. The expansive definition of 'person' signals that fair housing obligations apply to corporate landlords, partnerships, and other legal entities—not only individual property owners.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
The definitions in § 15-191 are important for tenants because they establish who and what is protected under Bellevue's fair housing article. Notably, 'family' is defined to include a single individual, meaning that a person living alone has the same protections as a multi-member household. Tenants who believe a landlord has engaged in a discriminatory housing practice—as defined by this article—may consider reaching out to the Bellevue Fair Housing Commission or a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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