TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Sheryl L. Bratton - County Counsel
REPORT BY: Erin Cossen - Legal Office Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of Safe Firearm Storage Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION
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County Counsel requests adoption of an Ordinance entitled the “Safe Firearm Storage,” which will be made part of Title 9 to the Napa County Code.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Napa County Board of Supervisors conducted a public hearing on September 26, 2023 with the introduction and intent to adopt the Safe Firearm Storage Ordinance to Title 9 of the Napa County Code.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Discretion of the Napa County Board of Supervisors to adopt the ordinance. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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County Strategic Plan pillar addressed: |
Healthy, Safe, and Welcoming Place to Live, Work, and Visit |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The adoption of the ordinance is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which provides that CEQA only applies to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be determined that the proposed project will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, the project is not subject to CEQA. The ordinance sets requirements for safe storage of firearms in residential locations and does not propose nor authorize any action or specific project that would have the potential to cause a significant adverse effect on the environment.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Staff recommends adoption of the Safe Firearm Storage Ordinance, adding Chapter 9.20 to Title 9 to the Napa County Code. The Ordinance requires firearms in a residence to be either stored in a locked container or disabled with a trigger lock. An exception is made when a firearm is carried on a person or is otherwise in the immediate control and possession of that person, or in the immediate control and possession of a peace officer.
Many other local jurisdictions have or are considering adoption of a similar Ordinance. Materials will be developed and disseminated to educate the community on the benefits of safe firearm storage.