Screenshot via meganslaw.ca.gov

Fresno County Supervisors Garry Bredefeld and Brian Pacheco will introduce an ordinance aimed at stopping an over-concentration of registered sex offenders in single-family homes in unincorporated Fresno County communities.

The proposal will be announced at a news conference at the Hall of Records on Monday. Residents of Old Fig, along with Sheriff John Zanoni raised concerns about homes housing a large number of offenders.

“This ordinance is long overdue,” Bredefeld said in a news release. “No neighborhood should be made to feel afraid by an oversaturation of sex offenders living steps away from families, schools, and churches. It is unacceptable and we will take action to protect public safety for our communities.”

The ordinance would limit the number of sex offenders allowed to live in single-family dwelling at six, in line with state requirements. It also limits the number of beds and unrelated occupants to six when one or more residents are registered offenders. The rule would not apply to those related by blood, marriage or adoption.

Property owners who knowingly violate the ordinance could face misdemeanor charges, up to six months in jail, fines of $10,000 for a first offense and up to $50,000 for a third violation in one year. Violations could result in business license revocation or civil action.

The Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing during the Dec. 9 meeting. They will hold a second hearing on Jan. 6. If adopted, the ordinance would take effect 30 days later.