Fresno Supervisors Propose Cap on Sex Offender Concentration in Homes

Fresno County supervisors introduced a draft ordinance on December 5 aimed at preventing an over concentration of registered sex offenders living in single family residences in unincorporated parts of the county. The measure, brought forward by Supervisors Garry Bredefeld and Brian Pacheco, would cap the number of registered offenders, occupants and beds at six per single family residence when the dwelling is used as a documented transitional living facility. Relatives by blood, marriage or adoption would be excluded from the count.

The draft lays out a range of enforcement mechanisms. Potential penalties include misdemeanor charges, administrative citations, civil remedies and possible revocation of business licenses for operators that violate the limits. Reporting on the proposal indicates fines would escalate for repeat violations, reaching substantial amounts for continued noncompliance. If the Board of Supervisors adopts the ordinance it would take effect 30 days after approval.

The item was placed on the Board of Supervisors agenda for a first hearing on Dec 9, 2025, with a second hearing scheduled for Jan 6, 2026. Those hearings will give the board an opportunity to debate specifics of the cap, enforcement language and exemptions, and to hear public comment from residents, operators of transitional facilities and advocacy groups. A final vote could come as early as the second hearing in January.

Local impacts could be significant for providers of transitional housing, for registered individuals who rely on such housing, and for neighborhoods concerned about safety and service concentrations. Limiting occupancy may reduce clustering in certain neighborhoods, but it could also strain capacity among licensed transitional providers and shift placement needs into cities or other counties. The county will need to consider enforcement capacity, monitoring methods and potential legal challenges under state and federal law.

The proposal places land use, public safety and housing policy questions before county leaders. The upcoming hearings will be a key point for civic engagement, as board action would reshape rules for transitional housing in unincorporated Fresno County.