Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15 (2026) § 15-220
VIOLATIONS
Operative Text
(A) Upon certification by the Fair Housing Commission that there has been an affirmative finding of probable cause of discriminatory practices, the Fair Housing Officer may: (1) Request the Corporation Counsel to file an action against the accused party in a court of competent jurisdiction, seeking the imposition of the following penalties: (a) A fine not exceeding One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) for each offense with each act of discrimination being considered a separate offense; (b) Revocation or suspension of any license of permit issued by the City of Bellevue, necessary to the operation of the housing accommodation(s) in question and any other equitable relief necessary to effect the purposes of this article; (c) All costs, expenses, and disbursements incurred by the City of Bellevue in effecting compliance with this article; and/or (d) Such other relief directed by a court of appropriate jurisdiction (2) Request a qualified fair housing enforcement agency to commence a civil action or proceeding for injunctive relief, damages, and other appropriate relief in law or equity against a person who violates this article. In any such action or proceeding, the court, in its discretion may allow the party commencing such action or proceeding, if such party prevails, a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs. (B) The aggrieved party may commence a civil action or proceeding for injunctive relief, damages, and other appropriate relief in law or equity against a person who violates this article. In any such action or proceeding, the court in its discretion, may allow for the party commencing such action or proceeding, if such party prevails, a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs. (Ord. 2123, § 9, passed 3-10-1980; Ord. 3738, § 5, passed 10-14-2013)
Under Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15, art. VI § 15-220, when the Fair Housing Commission certifies a probable-cause finding of discriminatory housing practices, the provision authorizes several enforcement responses. The Fair Housing Officer may ask the Corporation Counsel to pursue court-imposed fines of up to $1,500 per separate act of discrimination, license revocation or suspension, and recovery of the city's compliance costs. A qualified fair housing enforcement agency or the aggrieved party may also independently bring civil actions seeking injunctive relief, damages, and potentially attorney's fees if they prevail.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating housing accommodations in Bellevue should be aware that a probable-cause finding by the Fair Housing Commission under § 15-220 can trigger multiple enforcement tracks simultaneously. A compliant operator generally maintains non-discriminatory policies and practices to avoid exposure to per-offense fines up to $1,500, potential license or permit revocation, and liability for the city's enforcement costs. Reviewing internal policies against the standards set out in ch. 15, art. VI is a common step operators take to reduce the risk of a complaint reaching the enforcement stage described in Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15, art. VI § 15-220.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bellevue, Neb., Code of Ordinances ch. 15, art. VI § 15-220 gives individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination an independent right to bring a civil action for injunctive relief, damages, and potentially attorney's fees if they prevail. Beyond filing their own lawsuit, aggrieved parties may also report the conduct to the Fair Housing Commission, which can trigger city-initiated enforcement including fines and license actions against the accused party. Tenants exploring these options may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or fair housing agency to understand the general process before deciding how to proceed.
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 5, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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