Short title and purposes.
Seattle Mun. Code § 14.08.010
in effect14.08.010 - Short title and purposes.
A. This chapter shall be known as and may be cited as the "Open Housing Ordinance." The general purposes of this chapter are to promote the availability and accessibility of housing and real property to all persons; to prohibit unfair practices in real property transactions, whether direct or indirect, which inexcusably and unjustifiably deny those persons equal rights and opportunities in acquiring, disposing of or occupying real property and to provide enforcement mechanisms for the accomplishment of such purposes. The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish these purposes. The Department shall enforce the provisions of this chapter to further this policy.
B. This chapter shall not be construed to endorse specific beliefs, practices or lifestyles.
C. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to deny any person the right to institute any action or to pursue any civil or criminal remedy for the violation of such person's civil rights, except as provided in SMC 14.08.095(C).
D. To avoid duplication of efforts or otherwise conserve agency resources, the Director may suspend or close a case for any reason consistent with this chapter, including the reason that the case is being actively pursued in another forum. The commencement of a civil action by the Department to enjoin any unfair practice in violation of this chapter shall not preclude the initiation or continuation of administrative proceedings under this chapter.
E. Remedies under this chapter should include such relief authorized by law as may be appropriate and reasonable to provide appropriate temporary or preliminary relief as well as to make the aggrieved person whole and eliminate the unfair practice.
F. Nothing contained in this chapter is intended to be nor shall be construed to create or form the basis for any liability on the part of the City, or its officers, employees or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from or by reason of any act or omission in connection with the implementation or enforcement of this chapter on the part of the City by its officers, employees or agents.
(Ord. 122257, § 1, 2006; Ord. 121593 § 1, 2004; Ord. 118392 § 33, 1996; Ord. 116818, § 1, 1993; Ord. 113610 § 1, 1987; Ord. 113144 § 1, 1986: Ord. 112903 § 9, 1986: Ord. 104839 § 1, 1975.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT14HURI_CH14.08UNHOPR_14.08.010SHTIPUFetched: 11/1/2026