Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 5.80, Unfair Housing Practices Related to Diverse Family Structures
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, the Ordinance amending Chapter 5.80 OMC, Unfair Housing Practices related to diverse family structures.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, the Ordinance amending Chapter 5.80 OMC, Unfair Housing Practices related to diverse family structures.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager.
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia provides protection against unfair housing practices in Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 5.80 prohibiting Unfair Housing Practices.
This chapter is intended to protect people from discrimination in housing. It ensures equal access to housing regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, familial status, disability (including the use of a trained guide dog or service animal), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity (or how someone is perceived), or use of government housing vouchers to pay rent
Over time, it is important to review Chapter 5.80 OMC to determine whether gaps in the law may allow housing discrimination to occur. When gaps are identified, amendments may be needed to clarify definitions or provide additional protections.
One identified gap in Olympia’s Unfair Housing Practices code is ensuring that all residents are protected from discrimination based on their family structure or consensual relationships. The intent is to make sure that all families, whether traditional or nontraditional, are equally protected from discrimination in housing opportunities.
Climate Analysis:
An Ordinance to amend OMC Chapter 5.80, Unfair Housing Practices, will not impact the environment or climate.
Equity Analysis:
This Ordinance will support and serve the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Olympia by prohibiting discrimination in housing opportunities due to the nature of the structure of their families or consensual relationships and providing definitions and civil enforcement remedies.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Council received input from community members about a potential gap in Olympia’s Unfair Housing Practices code in Chapter 5.80 OMC. A Council referral was brought forward to consider the issue for possible legislative action.
Financial Impact: It is not anticipated that closing gaps in the Unfair Housing Code prohibiting discrimination based upon family and relationship structures or consensual relationships will have any financial impact on the City.
Options:
1. Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, the Ordinance amending Chapter 5.80 OMC, Unfair Housing Practices related to diverse family structures.
2. Direct staff to modify the language in the Ordinance Amending OMC Chapter 5.80 and make changes to the Ordinance for second reading.
3. Do not approve the Ordinance Amending OMC Chapter 5.80, Unfair Housing Practices.
Attachments:
Ordinance
Presentation