Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 5.95 Firearm Dealer License

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meaning:

A. Arm's length transaction shall mean a sale in good faith and for valuable consideration that reflects the fair market value in the open market between two informed and willing parties, neither under any compulsion to participate in the transaction. A sale between relatives, related companies or partners, or a sale for which a significant purpose is avoiding the effect of the violations of this chapter is not an arm's length transaction.

B. Authorized address shall mean the address provided by a proprietor to receive all license-related communications and notices.

C. Certificate of eligibility shall have the same meaning as defined in section 26710 of the California Penal Code.

D. Federal firearm's license shall mean a license issued pursuant to 18 U.S. Code, Chapter 44.

E. Firearm shall have the same meaning as defined in section 16520 of the California Penal Code.

F. Firearm dealer means any person, firm or corporation who sells or otherwise transfers to the public any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, or other firearm, including those persons required by Section 26500 (a) of the California Penal Code to obtain a license under California Penal Code Section 26700. Firearm dealer also includes any person, firm or corporation who purchases, takes in trade or accepts on consignment from the public any firearm of any type, including, but not limited to, pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns.

G. Licensee shall mean a person who has satisfied all of the requirements listed in California Penal Code section 26700.

H. Officers, employees and agents of firearm dealers shall mean those persons who directly participate in firearm sale transactions and are subject to the requirements listed in California Penal Code section 26915.

I. Proprietor shall mean a person with an ownership or managerial interest in a business. An ownership interest shall be deemed to exist when a person has a ten percent or greater interest in the stock, assets, or income of a business other than the sole interest of security for debt. A managerial interest shall be deemed to exist when a person can or does have or share ultimate control over the day-to-day operations of a business.

J. Seller's permit shall mean a valid permit issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, authorizing the sales of tangible personal property at a specified location.

(Ord. 7757, § 139, 2026; Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

Every firearm dealer shall first obtain a license in accordance with section 26705 of the California Penal Code, as described in this chapter, and pay an annual license fee in the amount set forth in Title 3, Chapter 3.30 of this Code.

(Ord. 7757, § 140, 2026; Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

A. Application for a firearm dealer license shall be submitted in the name of each proprietor proposing to conduct firearm sales and shall be signed by each proprietor or an authorized agent thereof. It is the responsibility of each proprietor to be informed regarding all laws applicable to firearm sales, including those laws affecting the issuance of a firearm dealer license.

B. No proprietor may rely on the issuance of a license as a determination by the City that the proprietor has complied with all laws applicable to firearm sales. A license issued contrary to this chapter, contrary to any other law, or on the basis of false or misleading information supplied by a proprietor shall be revoked pursuant to Section 5.95.120 of this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to vest in any person obtaining and maintaining a firearm dealer license any status or right to act as a firearm dealer in contravention of any provision of law.

C. All applications shall be submitted on a form supplied by the police department and shall contain the following information:

1. The name, address, and telephone number of each proprietor of the business that is seeking a license.

2. The business name, address, and telephone number of the single fixed location for which a firearm dealer license is sought.

3. The name and mailing address authorized by each proprietor to receive all license-related communications and notices ("authorized address"). If an authorized address is not supplied, each proprietor shall be understood to consent to the provision of notice at the business address specified in subparagraph (2) above.

4. Proof that the location for which a firearm dealer license is sought has been issued a valid U.S. Department of Justice Federal Firearms License (pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44), state issued certificate of eligibility and a state issued seller's permit.

5. Whether or not any proprietor is a person who has been determined to have violated this chapter or whose proprietorship has admitted violating, or has been found to have violated, this chapter, and, if so, the dates and locations of all such violations within the past five years.

6. Such other information as the police department deems necessary for the administration or enforcement of this chapter.

7. All information required to be submitted to apply for a firearm dealer license shall be updated with the police department whenever the information changes. A firearm dealer shall provide the police department with any updates within ten business days of a change.

(Ord. 7757, § 141, 2026; Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

No license or renewal license shall be issued under this chapter unless the firearm dealer satisfies each of the following conditions:

A. The firearm dealer, and all officers, employees, and agents of said gun dealer, are at least 21 years of age;

B. Neither the firearm dealer, nor any officer, employee, or agent of said firearm dealer, has had a similar type license previously revoked or denied within the immediately preceding two years;

C. Neither the firearm dealer, nor any officer, employee, or agent of said gun dealer, has been convicted of:

1. Any offense disqualifying said individual from owning or possessing a firearm under applicable federal, state, or local laws;

2. Any offense relating to the manufacture, sale, possession, use, or registration of any firearm or dangerous or deadly weapon;

3. Any offense involving the use of force or violence upon the person of another;

4. Any offense involving the manufacture, sale, possession, or use of any controlled substance as defined by the California Health and Safety Code, as said definition now reads or may hereafter be amended to read.

D. The firearm dealer has a fixed place of business where all licensed activities will be conducted. The storing of all firearms and munitions shall occur at said fixed place of business. Under no circumstance may the address of the fixed place of business be either a United States Post Office box or a private commercial mailbox. The firearm dealer shall provide evidence as owner, lessee or other legal occupant of said fixed place of business. The licensee shall specify the post office address of said fixed place of business;

E. The firearm dealer's fixed place of business shall not be located in any area or district that is zoned for residential use unless prior approval is obtained through the city planning department;

F. The firearm dealer has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City of Riverside, its officers, agents and employees, from claims arising from the negligent or intentional acts of said firearm dealer;

G. In connection with every firearm sold, leased, or otherwise transferred by a firearm dealer, said firearm dealer must also sell or otherwise provide a trigger lock or similar device reviewed and approved by the police department that is designed to prevent the unintentional discharge of the firearm;

H. The firearm dealer has obtained a policy of insurance as provided in Section 5.95.080 below;

I. The firearm dealer has complied with the security requirements as provided in Section 5.95.090 below; and

J. If a license is granted under this chapter, it shall be subject to the conditions set forth in Penal Code section 26700 to 26915. Failure to comply with all of the requirements set forth in California Penal Code section 26700 to 26915 will result in the issued license being subject to suspension or revocation.

(Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

Upon receipt of an application for a firearm dealer license and the license fee required by this chapter, the police department shall issue a license unless substantial evidence demonstrates that any of the following factors exists:

1. Existence of any of the offenses listed in Section 1.17.122 of this Code.

2. The application is incomplete, inaccurate, or false. The gross negligent or intentional supplying of inaccurate or false information shall be a violation of this chapter.

3. The application seeks authorization for firearm sales at a location for which this Code or this chapter prohibits issuance of a firearm dealer license.

4. The application seeks authorization for firearm sales for a proprietor to whom this chapter prohibits a license to be issued.

5. The application seeks authorization for firearm sales that is prohibited pursuant to this chapter, that is unlawful pursuant to this Code, or that is unlawful pursuant to any other law.

6. The applicant has previously been issued a license that is suspended or revoked for violating any provisions of this Code, state law, or federal law.

7. The application is for a license or renewal of a license for a dealer location that is the same dealer location as that of a dealer whose license was revoked or is subject to revocation proceedings for violation of any provision of this Code, state law, or federal law, unless:

a. It has been more than one year since a previous firearm dealer license was revoked or suspended; or

b. The applicant provides the police department with documentation demonstrating the applicant is acquiring the premises or business in an arm's length transaction.

8. The applicant does not possess all required certificates, permits or licenses required under California Penal Code section 26700.

(Ord. No. 7762, § 10, 2026; Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

A licensee shall properly maintain all records and documents required by state and federal law, upon purchasing, taking in for trade or accepting on consignment from the public any firearm of any type.

(Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

Upon the request of any designated police department representative or any peace officer, a firearm dealer shall (1) furnish all records pertaining to the firearm dealer's transactions, including, but not limited to, all records required to be maintained by law, and (2) shall permit an inspection of those portions of the licensed premises where the firearms and firearm accessories are located.

(Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

A. No license or renewal license shall be issued under this chapter unless the firearm dealer carries and maintains in full force and effect a policy of insurance, as described in this subsection, in a form approved by the City of Riverside and executed by an insurance company admitted to do business in the State of California. This policy of insurance shall insure the firearm dealer against liability for damage to property and for injury to or death of any person as a result of the sale, lease, or transfer, or the offering for sale, lease, or transfer, of a firearm. The minimum liability limits shall not be less than $1,000,000.00 for each incident of damage to property or incident of injury or death to a person.

B. The policy of insurance shall contain an endorsement providing that said policy shall not be canceled until notice in writing has been given to the Riverside Police Department at least 30 days prior to the time the cancellation becomes effective. If at any time the firearm dealer's policy of insurance expires, said firearm dealer's license under this chapter will automatically be suspended.

(Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

A. No license or renewal license shall be issued under this chapter unless the firearm dealer adheres to security measures as required by the police department. These security measures shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. The provision of adequate lighting, secure locks, windows, and doors, and fire and theft alarms, as each such item is specified and approved by both the police department and the fire department; and

2. The storing of all firearms and munitions on the premises out of reach of customers in secure, locked facilities, so that access to firearms and munitions shall be controlled by the firearm dealer or employees of the firearm dealer to the exclusion of all others.

B. Upon written request by the firearm dealer, the Chief of Police may approve alternative security measures which he/she determines will provide equivalent or superior security to the premises as the measures required under subsection A above.

(Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

Any firearm dealer licensed to engage in the sale of firearms prior to the effective date of this chapter shall, within 90 days after effective date, comply with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

The remedies provided by this chapter are cumulative and in addition to any other remedies available at law or equity:

A. Violators who operate without the necessary firearm dealer's license shall be subject to closure of the associated business.

B. Violations of this chapter may be prosecuted as infractions or misdemeanors by the City Attorney's Office or the District Attorney, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the firearm dealer's license issued by the City.

C. Causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, or concealing a violation of any provision of this chapter shall also constitute a violation of this chapter.

D. Violations of this chapter are hereby declared to be public nuisances.

E. In addition to other remedies provided by this chapter or by other law, any violation of this chapter may be remedied by a civil action brought by the City Attorney or a criminal action brought by the District Attorney, including for example, administrative or judicial nuisance abatement proceedings, civil or criminal code enforcement proceedings, and suits for injunctive relief.

(Ord. 7757, § 142, 2026; Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

A. Subject to the procedures set forth in this section, the Chief of Police may revoke or suspend a firearm dealer's license issued pursuant to this chapter whenever any of the following has occurred:

1. The holder of a firearm dealer's license is acting in a manner contrary to, or has violated, any of the provisions of this Code or other applicable state or federal statutes.

2. The holder of a firearm dealer's license is acting in a manner that constitutes a public nuisance.

3. The holder of a firearm dealer's license is acting in a manner that is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the city or its inhabitants.

4. The holder of a firearm dealer's license or their officers, employees or agents has violated any laws in connection with the operation of this business or failed to cooperate with the Riverside Police Department.

5. Upon any circumstances constituting a ground for denial of a permit set forth in this chapter.

B. If, in the discretion of the Chief of Police, the violation is capable of correction, then prior to revocation or suspension, a written notice shall be given to the holder of a firearm dealer's license, indicating the violation(s) involved, to allow a period of time to correct the violation(s), which period shall not exceed five business days, at the end of which period, the police department shall conduct an inspection to determine whether the violation(s) has been corrected. If the Chief of Police determines that the violation is not capable of correction or finds that the violation(s) continues without correction, then the Chief of Police may issue a notice of revocation or suspension. Examples of a violation that are incapable of correction, include but are not limited to, substantial evidence of firearm sales/transfers without the required state and federal certification or any circumstance that constitutes an immediate threat to health, safety or welfare.

C. Any firearm dealer's license may be revoked or suspended by the Chief of Police upon determination that the holder of said license has directly or indirectly allowed or has violated any regulation set forth in this chapter or state/federal law. To revoke or suspend a firearm dealer's license, the Chief of Police shall serve upon the holder thereof, either by personal service or by United States Mail sent to the last known address, a written notice that said license shall be revoked or suspended on the tenth day from the date of said notice. If, however, the license holder files a timely request for a hearing as set forth below in Section 5.95.130, the revocation or suspension of the license shall be stayed pending a determination by an Administrative Hearing Officer at the hearing. Failure to timely request a hearing shall deem the firearm dealer's license revoked.

D. A revoked license shall be immediately surrendered to the Chief of Police.

(Ord. 7708, § 22, 2025; Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)

A. A denial, revocation, or suspension of a firearm dealer's license may be appealed as set forth in Section 1.17.121 of this Code.

(Ord. 7708, § 23, 2025; Ord. 7580 § 1(Exh. A), 2022)