Stamford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. II § 6-8.3
Powers and duties
Operative Text
The Social Services Commission shall have the following powers and duties: A. To receive, investigate and conciliate complaints alleging a violation of the Code of Prohibited Discriminatory Practices. B. To hold hearings relating to the exercise of any of the Commission's functions and relating to any allegation of discriminatory practice which it has found reasonable cause to believe has occurred, to administer oaths, to take testimony under oath and to issue any appropriate orders. C. To issue subpoenas or subpoenas duces tecum, enforceable upon application to the Superior Court, to compel the production of books, documents, records and papers and to compel the attendance and testimony of persons at hearings as are deemed necessary. Subpoenas issued under this section shall be signed by the Chairman or other officer and prepared under the direction of the Law Department or outside counsel retained by the Law Department. D. To issue written interrogatories and require written answers under oath thereto, enforceable upon application to the Superior Court. E. To petition the Superior Court for enforcement of any order issued by it upon a finding that a violation of the local Code of Prohibited Discriminatory Practices has occurred, including the power to petition the Superior Court for temporary injunctive relief upon a finding that irreparable harm to the complainant will otherwise occur. F. To do such things as, in the judgment of the Commission, will aid in effectuating its functions and purposes. G. To perform all of the powers and duties necessary to fulfill the provisions of § § 47-14 through 47-17 (Ordinance 358) of the Code of Ordinances.
Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. II § 6-8.3 establishes the Social Services Commission as the body responsible for handling complaints about discriminatory practices in Stamford. The Commission is empowered to investigate complaints, hold hearings, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and compel testimony or document production. When a violation is found, the Commission can seek enforcement through the Superior Court, including requesting temporary injunctive relief if irreparable harm to a complainant is at risk.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. II § 6-8.3, property owners and managers operating in Stamford should be aware that the Social Services Commission holds broad investigative and adjudicative authority over alleged discriminatory practices. A compliant operator generally maintains records and practices that can withstand scrutiny, since the Commission may issue subpoenas, compel document production, and require sworn testimony. If the Commission finds reasonable cause that a violation occurred, it can pursue court-enforceable orders and injunctive relief through the Superior Court.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. II § 6-8.3 gives tenants a formal avenue to address housing discrimination by filing a complaint with the Social Services Commission. The Commission has the authority to investigate, conciliate, and hold hearings on discrimination allegations, and can compel the production of evidence and testimony from all parties. Tenants who believe their rights under Stamford's Code of Prohibited Discriminatory Practices have been violated may consider contacting the Commission directly or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand the complaint process.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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