Possible ordinance would limit where sex offenders can live

Sex offenders and predators who move to Jackson County have no restrictions on where they can live, however, a proposed ordinance would require those individuals to abide by the county's residency restrictions.

"Our whole goal is not to punish anyone, it's just to make our community safer," Jackson County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Quinton Hollis said.

Right now, offenders and predators cannot live within 1,000 feet of a place where children regularly gather, like parks, schools, and bus stops.

"It'll change the 1,000 foot rule to a 2,500 foot rule so it'll provide a little more protection for our citizens, especially the children," Hollis explained.

Those already living within the distance will be grandfathered in.

The ordinance also prohibits property owners from knowingly renting to a sex offender or predator in the restricted area.

"They can also be penalized with fines and potentially jail time, but they have to have been notified of this and then violate the ordinance," Hollis said.

Sheriff's officials said Sneads and Grand Ridge both have similar ordinances.

A public hearing on the proposed ordinance will take place April 10th at 9:15 a.m. in the Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting room.