SAN DIEGO -- Sex offenders convicted of crimes against children will be prohibited from living within 500 feet of schools and parks in Chula Vista under an ordinance unanimously approved by the City Council.

Violators of the law, approved late Tuesday night, will be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail, according to Liz Pursell, director of communications for the city of Chula Vista.

Councilman John McCann called the ordinance a "good first step."

"While state law lacks any specific regulations designed to prohibit sex offenders from frequenting locations primarily designed for children, it is our responsibility to protect the children of Chula Vista," he said.

Similar laws have been passed in National City, La Mesa and Santee, and the city of San Diego is considering doing the same.