Keller council expands residency restriction for convicted offenders to 2,000 feet

Keller City Council voted unanimously July 15 to increase the city's residency-distance requirement for certain convicted offenders from 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet.

The council discussed the matter in a closed executive session with the city attorney and then took action in the open meeting. Councilman Green moved to amend the local ordinance; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous voice vote. The change took effect immediately, the city said.

The council and police officials told residents that additional patrols were deployed to the neighborhood as soon as the issue was raised. Council members said the specific offender involved in the current matter had begun relocation efforts while the city finalized the ordinance amendment.

Mayor and council members said the change resulted from legal counsel and community concerns and intend the extended buffer to reduce the chance of offenders living near schools, parks or child-focused uses. The city attorney advised the council in executive session on legal enforceability and next steps before the public vote.

The action followed several emailed resident complaints and public comment at the meeting. Council members thanked the police department for immediately increasing patrol presence while the council considered the ordinance change.

The council did not provide a timeline for formal publication of the ordinance amendment beyond stating it was effective on passage.