Chapter 3.53 — FIREARMS ON COUNTY PROPERTY

Every person who brings onto or possesses on County property a Firearm, loaded or unloaded, or Ammunition for a Firearm is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. 4146, 12/17/02)

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)

County Property. As used in this section, the term County property means real property, including any buildings thereon, owned or leased by the County of San Mateo (hereinafter "County"), and in the County's possession, or in the possession of a public or private entity under contract with the County to perform a public purpose, including but not limited to real property owned or leased by the County in the unincorporated and incorporated portions of the County, and the San Mateo County Expo Center in the City of San Mateo, but does not include any "local public building" as defined in Penal Code Section 171b(c), where the State regulated possession of Firearms pursuant to Penal Code Section 171.

(b)

Firearm. "Firearm" is 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. "Firearm" does not include imitation Firearms or BB guns and air rifles as defined in Government Code Section 53071.5.

(c)

Ammunition. "Ammunition" is any Ammunition as defined in Penal Code Section 12316(b)(2).

(Ord. 4146, 12/17/02)

This section does not apply to the following:

(a)

A peace officer as defined in Title 3, Part 2, Chapter 4.5 of the California Penal Code (sections 830 et seq.);

(b)

A guard or messenger of a financial institution, a guard of a contract carrier operating an armored vehicle, a licensed private investigator, patrol operator, or alarm company operator, or uniformed security guard as these occupations are defined in Penal Code section 12031(d) and who holds a valid certificate issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs under Penal Code section 12033, while actually employed and engaged in protecting and preserving property or life within the scope of his or her employment;

(c)

A person holding a valid license to carry a Firearm issued pursuant to Penal Code section 12050;

(d)

An authorized participant in a motion picture, television, video, dance, or theatrical production or event, when the participant lawfully uses the Firearm as part of that production or event, provided that when such Firearm is not in the actual possession of the authorized participant, it is secured to prevent unauthorized use;

(e)

A person lawfully transporting Firearms or Ammunition in a motor vehicle on County roads;

(f)

A person lawfully using the target range operated by the San Mateo County Sheriff;

(g)

A federal criminal investigator or law enforcement officer;

(h)

A member of the military forces of the State of California or of the United States; or

(i)

A person who is carrying the firearm for the purpose of immediately relinquishing that firearm to the San Mateo County Sheriff or any person or persons designated by the Sheriff at a County-sanctioned firearm buyback event taking place on that County Property. A firearm buyback event is an event at which individuals can turn in unwanted firearms to law enforcement.

(Ord. 4146, 12/17/02)

(Ord. No. 04864, § 2, 5-3-2022)