Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rowlett proposes rule barring rentals to registered offenders near places children gather
Summary
Council reviewed a proposed amendment to section 34-71 that would make it unlawful to lease or rent property (short- or long-term) if the landlord knows the tenant is prohibited from residing within 1,000 feet of locations where children commonly gather; staff said long-term landlords would be given 30to 45 days to evict after notice.
City staff proposed adding a paragraph to the code of ordinances (section 34-71) to prevent property owners from leasing to individuals who are prohibited by federal or state law from residing within 1,000 feet of locations where children commonly gather. The mayor read the proposed enforcement language during the session: "So it's unlawful to let, sublet, rent any place, structure, or part thereof... if that place structure... is located within 1,000 feet from a premise where children commonly gather," the mayor said, reading staff-prepared wording.
Council and staff discussed enforcement mechanics. Victoria, the city attorney, said the city typically provides landlords 30 to 45 days to pursue eviction under landlord-tenant law for long-term rentals before issuing a city violation; for short-term rentals the approach differs because of the transient occupancy. Council members supported the objective of keeping locations serving children protected and asked staff to return with clear notice-and-enforcement procedures.
