Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | March 10, 2026 | Criminal Defense \ Sex Crimes
Fort Worth, Texas, has adopted a new ordinance that limits where certain registered sex offenders can live within city limits. The rule, approved by the Fort Worth City Council in early 2026, establishes residency restrictions creating “child safety zones” throughout the city.
Supporters say the measure is intended to reduce the likelihood that individuals convicted of offenses involving minors will live near places where children regularly gather. The change represents a significant shift for Fort Worth.
With the new ordinance in place, many areas of the city are now off-limits for certain individuals listed on the Texas sex offender registry.
What the New Fort Worth Sex Offender Restriction Does
The new Fort Worth ordinance prohibits certain registered sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of locations where children commonly gather. These protected areas are referred to as “child safety zones.”
The rule primarily applies to individuals whose offenses involved victims under the age of 17. If someone falls into that category and is required to register as a sex offender, they may face strict limits on where they can establish a residence within the city.
By creating a 2,000-foot buffer around designated locations, the ordinance prevents certain individuals from living near places where children regularly gather.
Areas Covered by the 2,000-Foot Safety Zones
The ordinance identifies several types of locations that trigger the 2,000-foot restriction. These include areas where children are likely to spend time for school, recreation, or community activities.
Examples of locations covered by the safety zones include:
- Public and private schools
- Daycare centers and child-care facilities
- Public parks and playgrounds
- Public swimming pools
- Youth centers and recreational facilities
- Community centers
- Public libraries
Residences located within 2,000 feet of any of these places may fall inside a restricted area. Because these types of facilities are widely distributed across the city, the safety zones can overlap and cover large portions of residential neighborhoods.
How the Law Affects Housing in Fort Worth
One of the most significant impacts of the new ordinance involves housing availability. When safety zones are mapped across the city, they may eliminate many residential neighborhoods as potential housing options for individuals subject to the restriction.
For people who must register as sex offenders, housing can already be difficult to secure. Landlords may be hesitant to rent to someone with registration requirements, and certain housing programs may have additional limitations.
With the new residency restriction in place, the number of lawful housing options may shrink even further. In some situations, individuals may have only a limited number of areas where they can legally live within the city.
Who Is Affected by the New Rule
The new residency restriction does not apply to every individual listed on the Texas sex offender registry. Instead, the rule primarily targets individuals whose offenses involved minors.
Anyone required to register for a qualifying offense involving a child may be subject to the 2,000-foot restriction when establishing a residence within Fort Worth. The ordinance generally applies to both permanent residences and temporary living arrangements.
Because registration laws already require strict reporting and compliance, failing to follow local residency rules could lead to additional legal consequences.
Exceptions and Grandfather Clauses
Like many residency ordinances, Fort Worth’s rule includes certain exceptions. One important provision is a grandfather clause that allows some individuals to remain in homes they occupied before the ordinance took effect.
This means a person who already lives within a restricted zone may be able to stay at that address without violating the ordinance. However, if that individual moves, the new residence must comply with the 2,000-foot rule.
Additional exceptions may apply in certain situations, such as cases involving individuals who were minors at the time of their offense. Determining whether someone qualifies for an exception may depend on the specific facts of the case.
Penalties for Violating the Ordinance
Violating the residency restriction can lead to penalties under the city ordinance. Individuals who establish or maintain a residence within a prohibited zone may face fines.
In some situations, each day the violation continues may count as a separate offense. Landlords or property owners may also face consequences if they knowingly allow someone to live in violation of the rule.
Because the ordinance relies on geographic measurements and property boundaries, determining whether a residence complies with the restriction may not always be straightforward.
Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers To Learn How a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Sex offense laws in Texas are complex, and local ordinances like Fort Worth’s new residency restriction add another layer of legal risk. Individuals who must comply with registration requirements may find it difficult to determine where they can legally live or how to avoid accidental violations.
If you need criminal defense help, contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers today to speak with a Fort Worth sex crimes attorney.
For more information, please contact the Criminal Defense law firm of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation. Give us a call at (682) 777-3336 or visit our convenient location:
We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102