Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-16
Powers and duties of Fair Housing Board
Operative Text
The Board shall have the following functions, powers, and duties: A. To establish and maintain its principal headquarters at the office of the Commission. B. To adopt an official seal. C. To hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and compel their attendance, administer oaths, take the testimony of any person under oath and, in connection therewith, to require the production for examination of any books or papers relating to any matter under investigation or in question before the Board. D. The authority to appoint one or more hearing officers as shall be necessary to carry out its functions and duties. The hearing officer shall have the same powers possessed by the Board to hold and conduct hearings. The hearing officer shall function under the supervision of the Board and shall make findings of fact and recommendations to the Board. E. To issue and to have served cease-and-desist orders and orders dismissing complaints and to pass upon compliance with such orders. F. To award damages as set forth in § 158-20 . G. The authority to request the assistance of the City of Geneva Attorney in carrying out the purposes of this chapter which includes the ability to seek temporary injunctive relief pending the completion of an investigation. H. To render each year to the Commission a written report of all of its activities and its recommendations.
Section 158-16 of Geneva, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 158 establishes the Fair Housing Board's formal authority to operate as an adjudicative body. The Board may conduct hearings, compel witness attendance through subpoenas, administer oaths, and require the production of relevant documents. It can issue cease-and-desist orders, award damages as outlined in § 158-20, seek temporary injunctive relief through the City Attorney, and must submit an annual activity report to the Commission.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Geneva should be aware that under § 158-16, the Fair Housing Board holds significant investigative and enforcement powers. A compliant operator generally cooperates with any Board-issued subpoenas, document requests, or hearing notices in a timely manner. Operators also take note that the Board can issue cease-and-desist orders and pursue injunctive relief through the City Attorney while an investigation is still ongoing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 158-16, Geneva's Fair Housing Board has the authority to hear complaints, subpoena witnesses, and award damages as referenced in § 158-20, giving tenants a formal avenue to pursue fair housing concerns. Tenants who believe their fair housing rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Board, which can then conduct a full hearing and compel the production of relevant evidence. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Geneva's Chapter 158 process can help individuals understand what to expect during Board proceedings and what remedies may be available.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation