Chapter 5 — Public Safety, Morals and Welfare›Article 8 — Minors
San Diego Municipal Code Div. 6 Child Protection Act
San Diego Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-18 · San Diego
Cite as: San Diego Municipal Code Division 6 · Text as of 2026-10-18
(“Child Protection Act“ added 3/14/2008 by O-19724 N.S.; effective 4/13/2008.)
§58.0601 Purpose¶
It is the purpose and intent of this Division 6, Child Protection Act (CPA), to protect children from registered sex offenders by limiting their access to locations where children gather. The CPA is intended to reduce the risk of harm to children by impacting the ability of sex offenders to be in contact with children. It is further the intent of the CPA to provide additional restrictions beyond those provided for in Proposition 83, Jessica’s Law (effective November 8, 2006) by adding locations to the residence restrictions imposed by Jessica’s Law, by supporting probation and parole conditions that restrict sex offenders from certain locations where children gather, and by allowing for both criminal and civil remedies, pursuant to sections 12.0201-12.0205. It is not the intent of the CPA to allow conduct otherwise prohibited by state law, or to contradict state law. (Added 3/14/2008 by O-19724 N.S.; effective 4/13/2008.) (Amended 7-19-2011 by O-20069 N.S.; effective 8-18-2011.)
§58.0602 Definitions¶
For purposes of this Division, defined terms appear in italics. The following definitions apply in this Division:
“Amusement center” means any establishment open to the public who provides
entertainment directed at minors, or whose play equipment is primarily used by
minors. It includes places like Chuck E. Cheese, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and
children’s museums. It includes but is not limited to establishments that provide
activities like gymnastics, laser tag, art classes, so long as the primary users of the
establishment are minors. It does not include restaurants, movie theaters or shopping
malls. It does not include businesses whose primary business is to sell toys or games
or other similar products primarily used by minors.
“Arcade” has the same meaning as in San Diego Municipal Code section 33.1635.
“Child day care facility” means any facility licensed as such pursuant to California
Health and Safety Code section 1596.750, except it does not include a small family
day care home as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 1596.78(c).
“Library” means any public library operated by the City of San Diego.
“Minor” means any person less than eighteen (18) years of age. Ch. Art. Div. 5 8 6 1
San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 5: Public Safety, Morals and Welfare (8-2011)
“Offense” means any criminal offense requiring registration under California Penal Code section 290.
“Park” has the same meaning as in California Penal Code section 3003.5(b).
“Playground” means any outdoor premises or grounds owned or operated by the City of San Diego that contains any play or athletic equipment used or intended to be used by minors.
“Registered sex offender” and “sex offender” means any person required to register pursuant to California Penal Code section 290.
“Reside” or “Residence” has the same meaning as in California Penal Code section 3003.5(b).
“School” means any public or state licensed private elementary or secondary school, attendance at which satisfies the compulsory education laws of the State of California. It does not include a residence where parents or guardians provide home schooling. This definition shall be interpreted to be consistent with California Penal Code section 3003.5(b). (Added 3/14/2008 by O-19724 N.S.; effective 4/13/2008.) (Amended 7-19-2011 by O-20069 N.S.; effective 8-18-2011.)
§58.0603 Restricted Areas for Sex Offenders-Residency¶
It is unlawful for any registered sex offender to reside within 2000 feet of any of the following places:
(a) Amusement center
(b) Arcade
(c) Child day care facility
(d) Library
(e) Playground
(f) Park
(g) School
(Added 3/14/2008 by O-19724 N.S.; effective 4/13/2008.)
(Renumbered from former Section 58.0604, and amended 7-19-2011 by O-20069
N.S.; effective 8-18-2011. Former Section 58.0603 repealed.)
Ch. Art. Div. 5 8 6 2
San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 5: Public Safety, Morals and Welfare (8-2011)
§58.0604 Measure of Distance¶
The 2000-foot buffer zone is measured in a straight line, in all directions, without regard to intervening structures, from the property line of the places listed in section 58.0603 (a) through (g). (Added 3/14/2008 by O-19724 N.S.; effective 4/13/2008.) (Renumbered from former Section 58.0605, and amended 7-19-2011 by O-20069 N.S.; effective 8-18-2011.)
§58.0605 Exemptions¶
(a) Any particular subsection of section 58.0603 does not apply to any registered sex offender who is currently on probation or parole for an offense for which registration is required, and whose conditions of probation or parole would otherwise violate that subsection.
(b) Any registered sex offender who resides outside 2000 feet of any of the places
listed in section 58.0603 on April 13, 2008, is not required to move if one of
the entities listed in section 58.0603 moves within 2000 feet of the sex
offender’s residence after April 13, 2008.
(Added 3/14/2008 by O-19724 N.S.; effective 4/13/2008.)
(Renumbered from former Section 58.0607, and amended 7-19-2011 by O-20069
N.S.; effective 8-18-2011.)
§58.0606 Effective Date for Residency Requirements¶
The residency restriction contained in section 58.0603 applies to any person who is required to register as a sex offender based on a crime committed on or after April 13, 2008. (Added 3/14/2008 by O-19724 N.S.; effective 4/13/2008.) (Renumbered from former Section 58.0609, and amended 7-19-2011 by O-20069 N.S.; effective 8-18-2011. Former Section 58.0606 repealed.)
Ch. Art. Div.
5 8 6 3
San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 5: Public Safety, Morals and Welfare (8-2011)
§58.0607 Sentencing, Probation, and Parole¶
(a) The City of San Diego finds that appropriately tailored stay away orders and similar specific restrictions on sex offenders will advance public safety and are necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare.
(b) The City of San Diego desires the inclusion of specific restrictions placed
upon sex offenders as a condition of probation or parole, including restricting
sex offenders’ presence at amusement centers, arcades, child day care
facilities, libraries, playgrounds, parks, and schools, as appropriate.
Judges and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are
well justified in imposing such restrictions on probationers and parolees living
within the City of San Diego.
(Added 3/14/2008 by O-19724 N.S.; effective 4/13/2008.)
(“Sentencing, Probation, and Parole” added 7-19-2011 by O-20069 N.S.; effective
8-18-2011. Former Section 58.0607 “Exemptions” renumbered to Section 58.0605.)
Ch. Art. Div. 5 8 6 4
San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 5: Public Safety, Morals and Welfare (7-2020)
Article 8: Minors
Continue researching
San Diego sources →San Diego local, state and federal sources. Edit the document title or filters, then run your search.
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code