When moving to a neighborhood, many buyers want to ensure a safe neighborhood. And one of the concerns some buyers have is "Are there any Registered Sex Offenders in This Neighborhood?"
In case you did not already know, in the State of Iowa, it's illegal for a 
registered sex offender to live within 2000 foot of a school or a registered day care facility.
The "2000 Foot Rule" law, as it has come to be known, first passed in 2002 in an overwhelming vote. The law stemmed from a concerned citizen, who contacted their State Legislator. They were uncomfortable knowing a convicted sex offender was living in a property that overlooked a school yard in Boone, Iowa.
The law has faced several legal challenges, but was upheld by Iowa's Supreme Court in December 2007.
Below is the text of the code, from the Code of the State of Iowa:
| Iowa Code |
692A.2A Residency restrictions - child care facilities and schools. 1. For purposes of this section, "person" means a person who has committed a criminal offense against a minor, or an aggravated offense, sexually violent offense, or other relevant offense that involved a minor. 2. A person shall not reside within two thousand feet of the real property comprising a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school or a child care facility. 3. A person who resides within two thousand feet of the real property comprising a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school, or a child care facility, commits an aggravated misdemeanor. 4. A person residing within two thousand feet of the real property comprising a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school or a child care facility does not commit a violation of this section if any of the following apply: a. The person is required to serve a sentence at a jail, prison, juvenile facility, or other correctional institution or facility. b. The person is subject to an order of commitment under chapter 229A . c. The person has established a residence prior to July 1, 2002, or a school or child care facility is newly located on or after July 1, 2002. d. The person is a minor or a ward under a guardianship. |
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You can find more information at the Iowa Sex Offenders Registry, which allows you to check for offenders who live near a specific address.
Having a Buyers Agent who is up to date on local issues, such as the 2000 foot rule, can add value to your real estate purchase experience!
Be safe and be aware!
Brian Wentz & Beth Ernst
Burnett Realty
515-334-4994
www.BrianWentzRealtor.com
Specializing in the Metro Des Moines Iowa Real Estate Markets, including Urbandale, Clive, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny and Waukee.
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