Sec. 406.401. - Filing a complaint.

The following procedures shall apply: (a) Any person aggrieved by an unlawful public accommodation prohibited by this Chapter must file a written, signed, and sworn complaint with the Commission or its designee within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice occurs. The complaint shall set forth the facts upon which it is based with sufficient specificity to identify the Respondent. Such complaint may be amended; however, the amended complaint must be filed within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice occurs. (b) Upon the filing of any complaint the Commission or its designee shall serve the complainant acknowledging such filing and advising the complainant of the time limits provided under this Chapter within ten days of the filing of the complaint. (c) Upon the filing of any complaint the Commission or its designee shall serve the complaint and a written notice on the respondent or person charged with the Commission of a discriminatory practice within ten days of the filing of the complaint, setting forth the rights and obligations of the parties including, but not limited to, the right to a fair and full hearing on the matter before the Commission. Such service shall be by certified mail. (d) A person who is not named as a respondent in a complaint, but who is identified as a respondent in the course of investigation, may be joined as an additional or substitute respondent upon written notice to such person from the Director. Notice shall be served upon such additional or substitute respondent within ten days of such joiner or substitution and shall explain the basis for the Director's belief that the person to whom the notice is addressed is properly joined as a respondent. (e) Each respondent shall file an answer to the complaint, not later than 15 days after receipt of the complaint and notice from the Director. (Ord. 2004-699-E, § 15)