Champaign — Ch. 17 Human Rights § 17-128
Licenses, permits and franchises
Operative Text
(a) The Commission, upon a determination of a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter by a holder of, or applicant for, any permit, license, franchise, benefit, exemption or advantage issued by or on behalf of the City, and upon a failure of the respondent to correct the unlawful discriminatory practice and comply with, shall refer this determination to the proper agency or authority. Such determination shall constitute prima facie evidence that the respondent, with respect to the particular business in which the violation was found, is not operating in public interest. Such agency or authority shall, upon notification, issue to the holder or applicant an order to show cause why such privileges related to that business should not be revoked, suspended, denied or otherwise restricted. (b) The Commission, upon the determination described in section 17-123 (c), may recommend to the issuing authority that the issuing authority revoke, suspend, restrict or refuse to issue any license, permit, franchise, benefit, exemption or advantage to such a respondent; provided, however, that when such respondent has not previously been found in violation of this chapter, such period shall not exceed ninety (90) days.
Champaign Ch. 17 § 17-128 establishes a mechanism by which the Human Rights Commission can act against city-issued licenses, permits, and franchises when a holder or applicant is found to have committed an unlawful discriminatory practice. Under subsection (a), a confirmed violation that goes uncorrected is treated as prima facie evidence that the respondent is not operating in the public interest, triggering a referral to the relevant licensing authority and a formal show-cause process. Under subsection (b), the Commission may also recommend that the issuing authority revoke, suspend, restrict, or refuse to issue such privileges, though first-time violators face a restriction period capped at 90 days.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who hold or have applied for any city-issued permit, license, or franchise in Champaign should be aware that a finding of discriminatory practice under Ch. 17 can have consequences well beyond a direct order to comply. Under § 17-128, a failure to correct a violation can result in a referral to the licensing authority and a formal proceeding to revoke or suspend business-related city privileges. Operators who maintain documented, consistent fair-housing and anti-discrimination practices are generally better positioned to demonstrate compliance if a complaint is ever filed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If you believe a Champaign landlord or housing-related business has engaged in unlawful discrimination, § 17-128 provides an additional layer of accountability beyond direct remedies: the Human Rights Commission can refer a confirmed violation to the city agency that issued the respondent's license or permit, potentially jeopardizing their ability to operate. This means a discrimination finding can carry consequences for the respondent's broader business privileges, not just the specific dispute. Tenant-rights organizations in Champaign and the Human Rights Commission itself can provide information about how to file a complaint and what remedies may be available under Ch. 17.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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