Mountain View Municipal Code Art. V Safe Storage of Firearms in Residences and Vehicles

"Close proximity and control" means within arm's reach of a person who is actively paying attention to the firearm such that they could gain control of the weapon before an unauthorized person could access the weapon.

"Firearm" means any gun, pistol, revolver, rifle or any device, designed or modified to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled through a barrel a projectile by the force of an explosion or other form of combustion.

"Locked container" means a locked container as defined in Penal Code Section 16850, as amended from time to time, and as listed on the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms roster of approved firearm safety devices.

"Vehicle" means a vehicle as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 415, as amended from time to time.

"Residence" means any structure intended or used for human habitation, including, but not limited to, houses, condominiums, rooms, in-law units, motels, hotels, single-room occupancies, time shares and recreational and other vehicles where human habitation occurs.

"Trigger lock" 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 California Penal Code Section 23655(d), as amended from time to time.

"Trunk" means a fully enclosed compartment that is separate from the main cabin of the vehicle.

"Unattended vehicle" means that a person aged eighteen (18) or over is not present in the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 2.22, § 1, 3/8/22.)

Except when carried on the person of an individual not prohibited from the ownership or possession of a firearm or when in the close proximity and control of a person not prohibited from the ownership or possession of a firearm, no person shall keep a firearm in any residence unless the firearm is stored in a locked container or the firearm is disabled with a trigger lock.

(Ord. No. 2.22, § 1, 3/8/22.)

a. No person shall leave a firearm in an unattended vehicle unless the firearm is stored:

1. In a locked container in the locked trunk of a vehicle.

2. For vehicles with four (4) or more wheels and lacking a trunk, in a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle and underneath a seat, or covered, or otherwise outside the view of the public.

3. For vehicles with fewer than four (4) wheels and lacking a trunk, in a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle.

b. Notwithstanding subsections a.1.—a.3., no person may place, store or leave a firearm overnight in an unattended vehicle.

c. This section is not intended to conflict with any applicable state or federal law.

d. This section is intended to apply to all vehicles within the City of Mountain View. However, nothing in this section shall apply to on-duty peace officers or to federal officers or military personnel who are acting within the scope of their authority and discharging their official duties.

(Ord. No. 2.22, § 1, 3/8/22.)

Nothing in this article affects a person's obligations under California Penal Code Section 25250 to report that a firearm has been lost or stolen to local authorities within five (5) days of the time they knew or reasonably should have known that the firearm had been lost or stolen.

(Ord. No. 2.22, § 1, 3/8/22.)