The White Settlement City Council on Tuesday approved changes to the city’s sex offender residency ordinance, expanding restrictions on where certain offenders can live and adding new Halloween rules.
The council passed the ordinance during its April 7 meeting, increasing buffer zones from 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet around places where children commonly gather, according to city documents. The changes apply to registered sex offenders required to register for offenses involving victims younger than 17.
Article continues below this ad
Restricted areas include schools, day care facilities, playgrounds, youth centers, public swimming pools, video arcades and other sites that regularly host activities for children, according to the ordinance.
Local data informed decision
Police Chief Christopher Cook told council members the city had 36 registered sex offenders as of Tuesday, with totals typically ranging between 35 and 45.
“Thirty-four were offenses against children,” Cook said.
Article continues below this ad
Make Dallas News a preferred source so your search results prioritize writing by actual people, not AI.
Add Preferred Source
Cook said the department reviews each registrant’s paperwork and proposed an address before allowing them to live in the city and can deny requests that violate the ordinance.
Changes apply to future cases
The expanded buffer zones limit where new registrants can live but will not force those already in compliance to move, Cook told the council.
Article continues below this ad
“We wouldn’t be able to remove them forcibly from their primary residence,” he said.
The ordinance also makes it unlawful to rent or lease property to someone prohibited from living within restricted zones, according to city documents.
Violations can carry fines of up to $500 per day, according to the ordinance.
City Manager Jeffrey James said the changes reflect a continued focus on safety.
Article continues below this ad
“Protecting the safety of our community is always paramount,” James said.
Halloween rules codified
The ordinance also adds restrictions for Halloween, prohibiting certain registrants from using outdoor lights to attract trick-or-treaters or distributing candy. Affected individuals must post signage indicating they are not participating, according to the ordinance.
Cook said those steps were previously encouraged by the department but were not required.
Article continues below this ad
“Turn your porch light off … put up a sign, ‘No candy being given out,’ ” Cook said.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms Of Use and acknowledge that your information will be used as described in our Privacy Policy.
Mayor Faron Young said the revisions strengthen protections for children.
“Protecting our most vulnerable victims is what our Council affirmed,” Young said.
Article continues below this ad
Cook told the council the city reviewed similar efforts in nearby communities, including Fort Worth, as it considered the changes.