Ayda Bonasera v. City of Norcross

Ayda Bonasera, an Hispanic woman living in a predominantly white neighborhood in the City of Norcross (the “City”), installed a second kitchen in her house and, in 1999, began renting rooms in her house to boarders. In 2006, following complaints from a neighbor, the City investigated Bo-nasera’s house and cited her for violating City ordinances prohibiting junkyards and restricting the use of her property to “one-family residences and related uses.” Bo-nasera was found guilty and assessed a fine for both violations.

Rather than appeal her conviction in state court, Bonasera sued the City and…