Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code Art. IV Firearms

For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

“City”

means all areas now or hereinafter incorporated into and which make a part in the City.

“Firearm”

means any cannon, gun, pistol, revolver, automatic pistol, rifle, shotgun, airgun, pellet gun, and any other weapon designed to discharge one or more projectiles propelled by the expansion of gas.

(Prior code § 131.40)

It is unlawful for any person to shoot or discharge any firearm or to have in his or her possession any loaded rifle or shotgun within the City.

(Prior code § 131.41)

The provisions of Section 9.08.190 of this article shall not apply to the following persons:

A. Any peace officer or member of the armed forces while acting in the lawful discharge of his or her duty;

B. Any person using a firearm in the lawful defense of himself, herself or another person;

C. Any person possessing a loaded firearm or discharging a firearm or causing a firearm to be discharged at an established firing, shooting or target range, or hunting or gun club, or on a properly constructed indoor home range or private property under his or her ownership or control;

D. Any person legitimately and with bona fide possession and transportation of a firearm through the City for the purpose of reaching other territory; provided, that at no time during such transportation shall any such gun or weapon be loaded or discharged within the City limits;

E. Any person shooting or discharging a firearm at a sporting event, such as a turkey shoot, whose promoter is a nonprofit organization and the proceeds of which are to be used for charitable purposes, and which has procured a permit from the City Council for the holding of such event. Before granting such permit, the City Council shall determine that such event shall be conducted in a safe and orderly manner and at a location at which there is no possibility of endangering the lives and property of adjacent property owners.

(Prior code § 131.42)

A. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter for which no penalty is given, the violation of which is charged and prosecuted as a misdemeanor, and for which no penalty is otherwise provided, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. When such violation is charged and prosecuted as an infraction, the violator shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation, a fine not exceeding $200 for a second violation of the same provision within one year, or a fine not exceeding $500 for each additional violation of the same provision within one year.

B. Those found in violation of Sections 9.08.050 through 9.08.070 will receive a citation requiring mandatory court appearance. Each time a juvenile is cited, the parent(s) or legal guardian will receive a formal notification letter outlining their responsibility to care for and supervise their child (Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor 272PC).

1. The bail schedule for violations of this chapter are as follows:

a. First offense: $50 or ten hours of community service.

b. Second offense: $75 or 15 hours of community service.

c. Third and subsequent offenses: $100 or 20 hours of community service.

2. Community service is offered to those who demonstrate financial hardship and both the child and the parent participate in the service.

(Prior code § 131.99)