Agenda Date: 02/02/2021
Subject:
Title
Ordinance 02-2021: An ordinance on second reading adding Chapter 24, entitled Firearms Retailer, to Title 3 Business Regulations
Body
Prepared by:
Reid Betzing, City Attorney
PURPOSE:
To introduce a proposed licensing ordinance for firearms retailers operating within the City of Littleton.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Reid Betzing, City Attorney and Doug Stephens, Chief of
Police
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
Recent burglaries at gun stores throughout the metropolitan area, including the City of Littleton, have resulted in scores of stolen firearms becoming available for criminal use in our communities. Often these burglaries could have been prevented through use of deterrent methods by firearms retailers. The proposed licensing ordinance for firearms retailers will help to ensure that those selling firearms are less likely to become targets and in so doing helps ensure the health, safety and welfare of our community at large.
Between first and second readings two changes were made to the proposed ordinance. 3-24-8(E) was amended to clarify that a notice to show cause would be issued as well as the evidentiary standard of review in that determination. A new section 2 was added to place the effective date for the ordinance on August 1, 2021. Due to the potential financial investment and supply chain delays caused by the current economic environment, the change was proposed to ensure that retailers would have enough time to come into compliance.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
A study session occurred on September 15, 2020 to receive direction as to whether Council would be in favor of proposed regulations relating to firearms retailers. At the study session staff presented recommendations to Council including:
* locking up all firearms in guns safes or reinforced safe rooms during non-business hours;
* making the police department the first contact for any alarm notifications; and
* havin...
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