TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Ms. Lachelle H. Pulliam, City Attorney
FROM: Ms. Erin Swinney, Police Attorney
DATE: May 12, 2025
RE:
Title
Proposed Youth Protection Ordinance
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Safe and Secure Community
Goal IV: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Executive Summary:
At its May 5, 2025 Special Meeting, the City Council approved the adoption of a Youth Protection Ordinance. The proposed ordinance aims to protect juveniles from victimization and exposure to criminal activity by establishing a curfew for juveniles 16 years of age and under. Violators of the ordinance may be subject to criminal penalties. As such, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160A-175, no ordinance specifying a criminal penalty may be enacted at the meeting in which it is first introduced. Therefore, the ordinance must be formally adopted at a future meeting. This will give the City an opportunity to notify the public of Council’s approval of the curfew as well as allow the City to develop an implementation plan.
Background:
The City has experienced an increase in gun violence over the last several months. In an effort to address this increase, Mayor Colvin called a Special Meeting to discuss public safety concerns and as well as options to reduce incidences of gun violence. During that meeting, Council approved the implementation of a City-wide curfew for juveniles 16 years of age and under, that mirrors the City of Charlotte’s Youth Protection Ordinance
Issues/Analysis:
Fayetteville has experienced an increase in gun violence.
Budget Impact:
Unknown
Options:
1. Approve the first reading of the proposed Youth Protection Ordinance and place it on the May 26, 2025 agenda for adoption.
2. Reject the Youth Protection Ordinance.
Recommended Action:
1. Approve the first reading of the proposed Youth Protection Ordinance and place it on the May 26, 2025 agenda for adoption.
Attachments:
Proposed Fayetteville Youth Protection Ordinance
City of Fayetteville Youth Protection Ordinance