Council adopts ordinance restricting rentals to registered offenders within 1,000 feet of child-centered locations

Council considered amendments to the city code that would prohibit property owners from leasing, renting or subleasing to a known registered *** offender if the property lies within 1,000 feet of locations where children commonly gather (daycare, schools, parks). Staff said the change places the onus on property owners to verify occupants and that staff will also perform verification during permitting.

The council approved the item as written (the ordinance currently sets a $500 fine under section 34-75); members indicated they intend to return at the next regular meeting to consider adjusting fine levels to $2,000 to align related code sections. The ordinance was approved unanimously and will be implemented through modified rental-permit processes.