HomeMy WebLinkAbout21. 17-110 MARCH 14, 2017 17-110 ORDINANCE
FIRST READING
(CARRIED 7-0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN )
PURPOSE: AMEND SECTION 16-4(C) DEFINITIONS OF FAIR
HOUSING ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE ANCESTRY AS
PROTECTED CLASS
INITIATED BY: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
A GENERAL ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH AMENDING
CHAPTER 16 FAIR HOUSING ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE ANCESTRY AS A
PROTECTED CLASS
The Common Council of the City of Oshkosh do ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. That Section 16-4(C) definitions of protected classes is hereby
amended to create subparagraph (14) to read Ancestry.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after
its passage and publication.
SECTION 3. Publication Notice. Please take notice that the City of
Oshkosh enacted ordinance #17-110 AMEND SECTION 16-4(C) DEFINITIONS OF
FAIR HOSUING ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE ANCESTRY AS PROTECTED
CLASS on March 14, 2017. The Ordinance is being amended to include Ancestry
as a protected class against antidiscrimination in housing. The full text of the
ordinance may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk, 215 Church Avenue
and through the City's website at www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us. Clerk's phone: 920-
236-5011.
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Darlene Brandt, Grants Coordinator
DATE: March 8, 2017
RE: Amend Section 16-4(C) Definitions of Fair Housing Ordinance to Include
Ancestry as Protected Class
BACKGROUND
On February 28, 2017 Council approved amending Chapter 16 regarding the Fair Housing
Ordinance to be consistent with the recently adopted revised Zoning Ordinance and to include
transgender individuals within the class of protected persons. One of the protected classes,
Ancestry, of the Wisconsin law was inadvertently omitted.
ANALYSIS
The attached flyer from the Fair Housing Center of Northeast Wisconsin identifies the Federal
and Wisconsin protected classes. When the City updated the Fair Housing Ordinance the
protected class of Ancestry was inadvertently omitted. In order to be in compliance with
Federal and Wisconsin housing laws that protect the citizens of Oshkosh, an Ordinance
amendment is required to add Ancestry as a protected class. Since the Fair Housing
Ordinance does protect the citizens of Oshkosh from antidiscrimination, staff is requesting
Council waive the second reading and take action on this request at its March 14th meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no anticipated fiscal impact. However, by approving this amendment, the City will be
in compliance with both State and Federal housing laws.
RECOMMENDATION
Council approves waiving of the second reading and taking action on adding Ancestry as a
protected class.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allen Davis
Community Development Director
Approved:
Mark A. Rohloff
City Manager
City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 920.236.5000 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
Fair Housing Laws: Know Your Rights
Federal Fair Housing Act Wisconsin Open Housing Law Local Fair Housing Ordinances
Protected Classes Protected Classes Protected Classes
Federal law makes it illegal to discriminate
in housing because of:
Race — A person's race or the race of
Persons with whom one associates.
Color — A person's skin color
Sex — A person's sex, including sexual
harassment or intimidation.
National Origin — The country of one's
birth and/or the nationality of one's
ancestors.
Religion — A person's religious beliefs or
denominational affiliation.
Disability/Handicap — A physical or mental
impairment that substantially limits one or
more major life activities.
Family/Familial Status — Household
composition, including the presence of
children.
State law includes all federal protections,
plus the following additional classes:
Age — Persons 18 years of age and older.
Ancestry — The country of one's birth
and/or the nationality of one's ancestors.
Marital Status — Married, single, divorced,
widowed or separated.
Lawful Source of Income — A person's
legal means of income, including such
subsidized forms as Social Security, Food
Stamps, Unemployment Compensation,
etc.
Sexual Orientation — Heterosexuality,
homosexuality and bisexuality.
Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault and
Stalking Victims — Persons who have
been or are victims of domestic abuse,
sexual assault or stalking.
Questions? Call 920-560-4620 or 1-877-647-3247 (a toll-free complaint intake line)
for more information, or visit www.falrhousingwisconsin.com.
If you need materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access our services,
please cal! 920-560-4620.
The City of Appleton has this additional
protected class:
Gender Identity/Gender Expression —A
Person's gender -related self-identity,
appearance, expression or behavior,
regardless of the person's assigned sex at
birth.
F/\LR
HOUSING
CENTER
OF NORTHEAST
WISCONSIN