Goleta Municipal Code Ch. 9.10 Safe Storage of Firearms in a Residence

The provisions of this chapter shall apply within the City of Goleta.

(Ord. 22-10 § 3)

For the purpose of this chapter, “firearm” means a firearm as defined in California Penal Code, Section 16520 or as amended.

"Locked container"

means a locked container that is either: (1) a locked container, as defined in California Penal Code, Section 16850, and listed on the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms roster of approved firearm safety devices; or (2) approved in writing by the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms as having equivalent effect to other approved 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.

"Residence"

means any structure intended or used for human habitation, including, but not limited to, houses, condominiums, rooms, accessory dwelling units, motels, hotels, SROs, time shares, recreational vehicles, and other vehicles where human habitation occurs.

"Trigger lock"

means a trigger lock that is either: (1) 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(2); or approved in writing by the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms as having equivalent effect to other approved devices and is the appropriate make and model for the firearm the lock will be used on.

(Ord. 22-10 § 3)

A. 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, except:

1. When the firearm is carried upon the person who owns the firearm.

2. When cleaning or maintaining the firearm.

3. When using the firearm for lawful self-defense.

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 prosecuted for violation of subsection A.

(Ord. 22-10 § 3)

A. A violation of this section shall be subject to enforcement through civil penalties, as provided herein.

B. The City may assess civil penalties pursuant to Goleta Municipal Code Chapter 1.02 (Administrative Citations) in the amounts provided in Section 1.02.080.

C. Each violation shall be deemed a distinct and separate offense.

(Ord. 22-10 § 3)