California Sex Offender Registry Restrictions – What You Need to Know

California law allows courts to impose special restrictions on where and how convicted sex offenders may live. For example, a court may impose parole conditions that say an offender cannot live near schools and parks.

Navigating the complexities of California’s sex offender registry can be difficult, so we collected some of the most common questions and answers about the residency restrictions of California’s Megan’s Law below.

If you or someone you know needs help with a specific situation, it’s often best to speak with an attorney. Your attorney will evaluate the facts of your case, and they can provide you with the best possible advice for your circumstances. 

Robert M. Helfend is Los Angeles-based attorney with more than 30 years experience handling sex crimes cases. Call 800-834-6434 for a free case evaluation.

Can a registered sex offender in California move somewhere else in the state?

They can. Offenders have to register their new address within five days of their move, and they should take care to register:

• Every year, within five working days of their birthday
• Any time they move again, within five days

Can a registered sex offender in California move out of state?

Registered sex offenders in California have the freedom to move to another state. However, those on active probation or parole might need to get clearance from their probation or parole officers first.

Once moved, sex offenders will need to comply with the laws and restrictions of their new state. Every state in the U.S. has a sex offender registration law, but the specifics of those laws may vary.

Can a registered sex offender move to California?

Registered sex offenders are allowed to move to California. They must register with the chief of police in the city where they reside within five days.

Once they register, they must renew their registration:

• Every year, within five working days of their birthday
• Any time they move again, within five days

Do sex offenders in California have to notify their neighbors?

Registered sex offenders are not required to notify neighbors about their status. However, Californians may find out if registered sex offenders are in their neighborhood via the California Megan’s Law Website.

Depending on the specifics of your case, it might also be possible to be removed from the Megan’s Law Website.

Are sex offenders in California allowed to live near schools and parks?

Courts in California handle the question of proximity to schools and parks on a case-by-case basis. If a registered sex offender is deemed to be a higher risk, courts can restrict that person from living near parks or schools. The distance requirement is usually 2,000 to 2,640 feet.

Otherwise, if the court hasn’t specifically said otherwise, sex offenders in California are allowed to live near schools and parks. 

Can multiple sex offenders in California live in the same home?

California law states that multiple registered sex offenders may not live together, unless they are related by blood, marriage or adoption.