Sexually violent predators will have few options for residing in Castle Rock after they are released from prison.
The town council on Tuesday passed rules to keep sexually violent predators from living within 1,000 feet of schools, parks and other places where children gather.
The limit includes licensed day-care facilities, playgrounds, ball fields, public pools, trails, bus stops, recreation centers and designated routes where kids walk to school.
That limits places where the offenders can live to a part of the Liberty Village area and small parts of Plum Creek and the Crystal Valley Ranch.
The rules take effect March 10.
Town spokeswoman Kristin Accola said Castle Rock looked at 2,000- and 500-foot limits but settled on 1,000 feet.
She said Englewood, Lone Tree, Commerce City and Greenwood Village also prohibit sexually violent predators from living within 1,000 feet of where children gather.
Mayor Ryan Reilly said that typically when the predators are released from prison, they initially live in a motel or hotel. He said there are no hotels or motels in the newly created zone where they can live.
“We’d rather not have them here,” Reilly said. “This law just prevents them from living within certain distances where children congregate.”
According to state law, sexually violent predators are released into the county in which they were convicted.
The offenders won’t be required to move if a school or park is built within 1,000 feet after they have established residency. Also, those younger than 18 who are living with parents or in foster care won’t be subject to the new law.
There are no sexually violent predators currently living in Castle Rock, Accola said.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
