The city council finds and determines that:
(a)
Firearm injuries have a significant public health impact; and
(b)
Keeping a firearm locked when it is not being carried ensures that
it cannot be accessed and used by others without the owner’s
knowledge or permission, and this simple measure significantly decreases
the risk that the firearm will be used to commit suicide, homicide,
or inflict injury, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
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The purpose of this chapter is to require the safe storage of
firearms in a residence.
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(Ord. 1619 § 2, 2021)
means a firearm as defined in California Penal Code, Section
16520.
means a locked container, as defined in California Penal
Code, Section 16850, listed on the California Department of Justice
Bureau of Firearms roster of approved firearm safety devices. For
purposes of this chapter, a locked container does not include a bag
or other container made of fabric or other penetrable material, such
as a regular purse, backpack, or gym bag.
means any structure intended or used for human habitation,
including, but not limited to, houses, condominiums, rooms, accessory
dwelling units, motels, hotels, single room occupancy units, time
shares, recreational vehicles, and other vehicles where human habitation
occurs.
means 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. 1619 § 2, 2021)
(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 days from the time they knew or reasonably should have known the firearm had been lost or stolen shall not be subject to a civil penalty for violation of subsection (a).
(Ord. 1619 § 2, 2021)
A violation of this section shall be subject to enforcement
through civil penalties, as provided herein.
(a)
Civil Penalties. The city may pursue any civil remedies available
under the law.
(b)
Separate Offense. Each violation shall be deemed a distinct and separate
offense. Payment of a penalty shall not excuse or discharge any continuation
or repeated occurrence of a violation.
(Ord. 1619 § 2, 2021)
The amount of a penalty imposed for any violation of this chapter
shall be a warning for a first violation, one hundred dollars for
a second violation within twelve months, two hundred dollars for a
third violation within twelve months, and five hundred dollars for
fourth and additional violations within twelve months. If the city
establishes a free trigger lock program, the city will provide a trigger
lock with the warning for a first violation.
(Ord. 1619 § 2, 2021)
