Sodus, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 66 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 66-7

A. Authority and responsibility. The authority and responsibility for publicizing, administering and enforcing this chapter shall be in the Town's Fair Housing Officer, to be designated by the Town Board. The Fair Housing Officer will have the following responsibilities: (1) To post the fair housing and affirmative action posters in the Town Hall and other major municipal facilities. (2) To ensure that fair housing advertisement is placed in the official, local newspaper(s). (3) To record initial information regarding housing discrimination complaints on a standard form. (4) To work with the person responsible for the administration of the small cities program in resolving any problems. (5) To forward copies of all complaints and, as appropriate, to consult with the Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity Division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office in Buffalo. (6) To publish a notice in the official newspaper which names the Fair Housing Officer and provides his/her address and telephone number. The notice will state that persons who feel that they have been victims of housing discrimination should contact the Fair Housing Officer for assistance in discussing the situation and filing a complaint. (7) To compile and make available, upon request, copies of applicable federal and state laws which contain antidiscrimination provisions, including Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the Human Rights Law (Executive Law, Article 15 ) of the State of New York. Descriptive brochures issued by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as other appropriate materials, will also be available to community residents. B. Violations. Violations of this chapter shall be reported in person or in writing within one year of the action alleged to be discriminatory. The Fair Housing Officer shall record the information given by the complainant on a standard form. The Fair Housing Officer shall report the alleged incident(s) to the Administrator of the Small Cities Program. The Small Cities Administrator will then contact the Department of HUD to review the complaint and request its guidance as to whether their is sufficient grounds to file a formal complaint. The Fair Housing Officer shall file copies of all formal complaints with the appropriate office or the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Division of HUD. C. Enforcement. Where the Department of HUD finds sufficient cause exists to believe that a violation of this chapter has been committed, the Fair Housing Officer shall institute suit in Town Court against the alleged violator within 120 days of HUD making such determination. If the complainant elects to seek relief in federal court, and if the complainant is of low or moderate income, the Town shall advise the complainant of the procedure for obtaining affordable legal services. The Town shall not be obligated to provide or pay for legal services for the complainant. D. Penalties. Where a person or organization is found, after trial on the merits, in violation of this chapter, the court shall impose a fine on such person in such amount as it deems appropriate, but not to exceed $10,000 for a first offense, $25,000 for a second offense and $50,000 for a third offense.