Definitions
San Diego Municipal Code § 26.0904
in effect§26.0904 Definitions
As used in this Division:
(a) “Commission” is the Human Relations Commission.
(b) “Conciliation” is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party serves as an intermediary between the conflicting parties. The parties may or may not meet directly.
(c) “Discrimination” is the unlawful treatment of or distinction against a person based on the group class or category to which that person belongs rather than on individual merit. Those classes or groups protected by this Division are those defined in federal or state law and San Diego Municipal Code section 52.9601 et seq.
(d) “Mediation” is a voluntary dispute resolution process in which the parties in conflict meet with a neutral third party in an attempt to resolve the conflict or dispute in a manner that is satisfactory to the parties in conflict.
(e) “Reasonable cause” is a threshold standard for the Commission to initiate a conciliation or mediation process. The standard is met when the investigation of the alleged unfair or unlawful practice produces sufficient credible evidence that would cause a reasonable person of ordinary care and prudence to conclude that the unfair or unlawful practice occurred.
(f) “Unfair” shall mean not fair or conforming to fundamental notions of justice, honesty, ethics, or the like.
(g) “Unlawful practice” shall mean any policy or practice which constitutes illegal discrimination as defined in federal, state, or local laws.
(“Definitions” added 3–18–1991 by O–17614 N.S.)
(Amended 3-27-2013 by O-20244 N.S.; effective 4-26-2013.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter02/Ch02Art06Division09.pdf#page=3Fetched: 10/28/2026