Skip to main content
close

KingCounty.gov is an official government website. Here's how you knowexpand_moreexpand_less

account_balance

Official government websites use .gov

Website addresses ending in .gov belong to official government organizations in the United States.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites.

King County Logo

Investigation and Enforcement

Civil Rights Investigators review alleged violations of King County’s nondiscrimination ordinances as neutral factfinders. Investigations are conducted at no cost to the parties involved. We aim to resolve discrimination complaints at the lowest-level possible for King County government, employers, housing providers and businesses in Unincorporated King County (UKC). We do this by enforcing the County’s Nondiscrimination Ordinances as outlined in the King County Code (K.C.C)

Fair Contracting

Individuals can file a discrimination complaint against King County or a business in Unincorporated King County (UKC). Discrimination may be related to the bidding, award, referral, or performance of a contract. The complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged unfair contracting practice or when the charging party, through exercise of due diligence, should have had notice or been aware of the occurrence.

For more information visit: K.C.C. Ch.12.17 

Fair Employment Practices

Employees can file a discrimination complaint against employers in unincorporated King County or King County Government if the employer has at least 8 employees, and the incident occurred within the last 2 years of the alleged unfair fair employment practice or when the employee, through exercise of due diligence, should have had notice or been aware of the occurrence. Discrimination must be based on a protected class.

For more information: K.C.C. 12.18

Open Housing

Individuals can file a discrimination complaint against landlords, owners, or property managers located in or conducting business in unincorporated King County. Complaints must be filed within 1 year (365 days) of the alleged unfair housing practice or when the individual complainant, through the exercise of due diligence, should have had notice or been aware of the occurrence. Discrimination may include refusal to rent, differing terms, or harassment based on a protected class.

For more information: K.C.C. Ch.12.20 

Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodations

Individuals can file a discrimination complaint against any place of public accommodation—licensed or unlicensed—that provides goods or services to the public in unincorporated King County, including King County-operated spaces. Examples include restaurants, hotels, theaters, amusement parks, and sports arenas. Discrimination complaints must be based on a protected class and the complaint must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act or when the complainant, through the exercise of due diligence, should have had notice or been aware of the occurrence.

For more information: K.C.C. Ch. 12.22 

Citizen and Immigration Status 

Ordinance 18665, generally prohibits the use of County resources for civil immigration enforcement and sets forth requirements for employee conduct to uphold these protections. Additionally, it requires language access services to ensure Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals can access County benefits and services effectively. Individuals who have been harmed by a violation of this ordinance can file a complaint. The violation must be based on a protected class and the complaint must be filed within 180 days of the violation or when the person harmed, through the exercise of due diligence, had notice or been aware of the occurrence.

For more information: K.C.C. Ch. 2.15

expand_less