Chapter 8.33
STORAGE OF FIREARMS
Sections:
8.33.020 Safe storage of firearms in a residence required.
8.33.010 Definitions.
(a) "Firearm" shall mean any gun, rifle, pistol, or any other firearm as defined in California Penal Code Section 16520, as amended from time to time.
(b) "Locked container" shall mean a locked container as defined in California Penal Code Section 16850, as amended from time to time, and is listed on the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms roster of approved firearm safety devices. It shall not include a bag or other container made of fabric or other penetrable material such as, but not limited to, a regular purse, backpack or gym bag.
(c) "Residence" shall mean any structure intended or used for human habitation, including but not limited to houses, apartments, condominiums, rooms, in-law units, accessory dwelling units, motels, hotels, single-room occupancy units (SROs), time-shares, mobile homes, and recreational and other vehicles where human habitation occurs.
(d) "Trigger lock" shall mean a trigger lock that is listed on the California Department of Justice’s roster of approved firearms safety devices and that is identified as appropriate for that firearm by reference to either the manufacturer and model of the firearm or to the physical characteristics of the firearm that match those listed on the roster for use with the device under Penal Code Section 23635. (Ord. 1099 § 2 (Exh. A), 2023).
8.33.020 Safe storage of firearms in a residence required.
(a) Except when carried on the person, no person shall keep a firearm in any residence unless the firearm is stored in a locked container or is disabled with a trigger lock.
(b) To encourage reporting of lost or stolen firearms, a person who complies with California Penal Code Section 25250 by reporting the loss or theft of a firearm they own or possess to a local law enforcement agency within five (5) days from the time they knew or reasonably should have known the firearm had been lost or stolen shall not be prosecuted for violation of subsection (a) of this section.
(c) It is not the intention of this chapter to regulate any conduct if the regulation of such conduct has been preempted by state or federal law. (Ord. 1099 § 2 (Exh. A), 2023).
8.33.030 Penalty.
A violation of this section shall be an infraction and/or subject to civil penalties as set forth below:
(1) Violation an Infraction. A person who violates this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction.
(2) Civil Penalties. The city may assess escalating administrative penalties in accordance with the amount set forth in the administrative fine schedule adopted by city council resolution.
(3) Each day of each violation shall be deemed a distinct and separate offense. (Ord. 1099 § 2 (Exh. A), 2023).