Due to ongoing budget problems, federal court rulings and new State laws concerning the early release of state prisoners and good time credits, there is the potential that thousands of State prisoners will be eligible for early release from prisons and on parole. Many of these parolees will establish domiciles in Orange County, including in the City of Orange. Associating with another parolee is often prohibited by conditions of parole due to the widely accepted belief in law enforcement that such associations play a role in whether a parolee is likely to commit additional crimes and the fact that recidivism rates among parolees is high, especially in California. However, restrictions on parolee associations are not always enforced by local parole officers due to caseloads or other factors and the situation could worsen if even more prisoners are placed on parole. The establishment of dwelling units, hotel rooms or boarding or lodging houses with multiple parolees would have immediate and adverse economic and safety impacts on adjacent residences and neighborhoods. This chapter is necessary to preserve the residential character of the City's neighborhoods and will enhance the public health, safety and general welfare of the City, its residents and businesses.
(Ord. 6-11, 2011)