Chico Municipal Code Ch. 9.60 Nuclear Free Zone Law

The city council finds and declares as follows:

A. That the possibility of nuclear war is a clear and present danger that threatens not only the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Chico community, but also their very existence.

B. That the use of nuclear weapons in the event of war, whether for the purpose of self defense or any other purpose, is totally unacceptable.

C. That even participation in preparation against nuclear war is inappropriate in that it lends credence to the belief that such a war is survivable when in fact it is not.

D. That by reason of the foregoing, the interest of the citizens of the Chico community will be best served by making the city a nuclear free zone in which the production, testing, maintenance, and storage of nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems is prohibited and in which the appropriation or use of city funds or property for participation in or preparation against nuclear war is also prohibited.

E. Nothing in this chapter is intended to preclude or hinder the preparation or response of city personnel and resources in preventing or mitigating radiological emergencies other than nuclear war.

(Ord. 1564 §2 (part), Ord. 1676)

The definitions hereinafter set forth in this section shall govern construction of the words and phrases to be used in this chapter.

A. Nuclear Weapons Component of a Nuclear Weapon. “Nuclear weapon” shall mean any bomb or other weapon designed to explode as a result of a chain reaction caused by nuclear fission or fusion. “Component of a nuclear weapon” shall mean any material or device produced or manufactured for use in a nuclear weapon.

B. Nuclear Weapon Delivery System - Component of a Nuclear Weapon Delivery System. “Nuclear weapon delivery system” shall mean any equipment designed to transport, propel, or guide a nuclear weapon. “Component of a nuclear weapon system” shall mean any material or device produced or manufactured for use in a nuclear weapon delivery system.

(Ord. 1564 §2 (part))

No person shall produce, test, maintain, or store within the city a nuclear weapon, component of a nuclear weapon, nuclear weapon delivery system, or component of a nuclear weapon delivery system.

(Ord. 1564 §2 (part))

No city funds or property shall be appropriated or used for civil defense against a nuclear war or other preparations for nuclear war, including but not limited to those civil defense measures which address the physical or social aftereffects of a nuclear war.

(Ord. 1564 §2 (part))

At the direction of the city council, the city attorney shall file an action in a court of appropriate jurisdiction to enjoin any violations of this chapter. Such action for injunctive relief shall be exclusive of any other remedies whether civil or criminal, provided for by this code.

(Ord. 1564 §2 (part))