Sex offender residency restrictions

SEX OFFENDER RESIDENCY ORDINANCE

Effective April 21, 2025, the City of Hereford has enacted a local ordinance restricting where certain registered sex offenders may live within the city limits. This ordinance is designed to help protect children and enhance public safety in our community.

Residency Restrictions

Individuals required to register as sex offenders due to offenses involving victims under the age of 17 are prohibited from establishing permanent or temporary residence within 2,000 feet of locations where children commonly gather. These protected areas include:

+ Schools (public and private)

+ Parks and playgrounds

+ Public or semi-public swimming pools

+ Daycare centers

+ Youth centers

+ Video arcades

+ Similar child-focused facilities

A permanent residence is defined as living in a location for 14 or more consecutive days.

A temporary residence includes staying at a location for 14 or more days in a calendar year or for four or more days in any month.

Measurement of Distance

The 2,000-foot distance is measured in a straight line from the edge of the offender's residence to the closest property line of the child-focused location.

Loitering Prohibited

It is also unlawful for registered sex offenders to stop, sit, park, stand, or loiter for more than the time reasonably necessary to engage in legitimate activities within 2,000 feet of these locations.

Exceptions

The ordinance does not apply under the following circumstances:

The person established residence before the ordinance was adopted and has not moved since.

The offender was a minor at the time of the offense and was not convicted as an adult.

The person is currently a minor.

A child-focused location opened after the person established residence.

The person can prove the offender registry information is incorrect.

Rental Restrictions

Property owners are prohibited from knowingly renting or leasing property within 2,000 feet of protected areas to individuals restricted by this ordinance.

Appeals Process

Individuals may request an exemption by submitting a written appeal to the City Secretary. A public hearing will be scheduled before the City Commission, which will review the case and vote on whether to grant or deny the exemption. Appeals may result in full or limited exemptions.

Violations and Penalties

Violations of this ordinance are considered misdemeanors and are subject to fines as outlined in the City Code. Each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate offense.

A map of the areas affected will be provided soon.  If you have any questions please contact the Hereford Police Department at 806-363-7120