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 also 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 the offenders to living in part of the Liberty Village area and small parts of Plum Creek and the Crystal Valley Ranch.
The rule takes effect March 10.
Town spokeswoman Kristin Accola said the town 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 he or she has established residency. Also those under 18 years old 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
This story has been corrected in this online archive. Originally, due to a reporter’s error, the first name of Castle Rock Mayor Ryan Reilly was wrong.
