Public accommodations services

Complaint resolution

We investigate and resolve complaints alleging discrimination which violates the King County Public Accommodations Ordinance, King County Code, Title 12, Chapter 22 .

The King County Public Accommodations Ordinance prohibits discrimination by persons and/or places that provide goods or services to the general public because of a customer's protected class:

race
color
religion
national origin
ancestry
gender
parental status
marital status
sexual orientation (includes gender identity)
age
disability
use of a service or assistive animal

What is a 'place of public accommodation'?

Some King County government agencies and most businesses, services and organizations located in unincorporated King County are considered to be places of public accommodations. These include grocery stores, retail stores, gas stations, hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, banks, theaters, concert halls, sports arenas, museums, auditoriums, convention halls, taxis, private bus lines, barber shops and beauty salons, doctor and dentist offices, fitness centers, and non-profit organizations, such as food banks, shelters and senior centers.

Unfair actions

Places of public accommodations are responsible for providing non-discriminatory services to customers and clients. This ordinance prohibits treating customers differently because of protected class; harassment based on sex or other protected class; failing to provide reasonable accommodation for disabled customers; etc.

Note: This ordinance permits imposing age limits up to 21, and offering discounts, special prices, or other special arrangements to children, families, people with disabilities, or senior citizens.The ordinance does not apply to any non-commercial facility operated or maintained by a bona fide religious institution.

Education and outreach

We can provide information about the public accommodations ordinance. Contact the Office of Civil Rights for information.