(KNSI) — St. Cloud could begin restricting the places where level three predatory offenders can live in the city.
On the city council’s consent agenda for Monday is approving a measure setting a public hearing for October 7th on an ordinance preventing sex offenders from living near areas where children gather. The rule would only apply to new level three offenders moving into the city.
In June, a working group was formed to develop an ordinance after the issue came to light. A member learned two level three offenders had moved near an elementary school in 2022, prompting discussion. St. Cloud currently has eight level three offenders within its borders.
Two maps are laid out. One prevents a high-risk offender from living within 1,500 feet of schools, parks and places of worship, making virtually the entire city off limits. A second would ban level three offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school, opening up many more housing opportunities. A violation would be a misdemeanor, and fines could be levied each day they stay within an established safety zone.
Ninety-two cities in Minnesota have some restrictions on where sex offenders can live.
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