Agenda Date: 07/27/2021
Subject:
Title
Follow-up to Firearms ordinance
Body
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Prepared By: |
Doug Stephens, Chief of Police |
PURPOSE:
To provide an update to council on progress with firearms retailers in the city after adoption of Ordinance 02-2021 earlier this year.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Gene Enley, Division Chief
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
This is an update on the status of Littleton firearms retailers’ ability to comply with the safe firearms storage requirements detailed in ordinance 02-2021 which goes into effect 8/1/2021. The update was requested in an effort to determine if modifications need to be made to the ordinance.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
Council met in study session on September 15, 2020 to discuss proposed regulations regarding implementing several updates to our code for firearms retailers. Based on direction, council passed an ordinance on first reading January 19, 2021 and on second reading and public hearing on February 2, 2021.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
There are currently four retailers in the City of Littleton that sell firearms; two are pawn shops, one is primarily a historical firearms dealer, and one is a firearms retailer/shooting range. Prior to the ordinance passing in February, and multiple times since then, Littleton Police Department (LPD) personnel met with the owners of all four businesses and have gone over the firearms safe storage requirements detailed in the ordinance. LPD personnel have conducted site inspections and advised, where necessary, on the minimum actions required for each retailer to be in compliance with the firearms storage and safety components of the ordinance before it goes into effect on August 1st.
As of this report, the two pawn shops are in compliance with the ordinance requirements. Both owners have been cooperative and receptive to LPD input. As recently as last week officers conducted site visits and verified they are ready for the formal inspection and license application process. Both owners/management were provided suggestions on additional safety/storage procedures they can implement for improved handling/storage of firearms during business hours. These two retailers will be able to comply with the ordinance by the date it goes into effect on August 1st.
The historical firearms dealer has implemented a number of enhanced safety measures and is waiting on one additional feature which will bring them into compliance with the ordinance requirements. This additional step is in-process however there is a delay with the installation due to vendor and supply shortages. LPD personnel have been advised this retailer expects this installation to occur any time within the next few weeks. The owner and management of this retailer have been cooperative and receptive throughout this process. Due to the uncontrollable situation with construction supplies, it appears this retailer will not likely be able to fully comply with the ordinance by August 1st.
The firearms/shooting range retailer has also implemented a number of enhanced safety measures as well as modified its alarm notification process. LPD personnel have met with the owners several times and have conducted multiple site visits and consultations where input was provided on final steps that need to be taken for the business to be in compliance with the ordinance. As with the historical firearms dealer, this retailer is experiencing delays with construction materials and installation due to the pandemic and is waiting for a private vendor to complete necessary enhancements. Although the owners were optimistic this could be completed soon, they really had no specific information as to when the work would be started/completed. It is highly unlikely this retailer will be in full compliance with the ordinance by the August 1st effective date. Like the others, these owners have been cooperative and receptive during this process.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
Building a quality community and aligning with Envision Littleton 2040 Report valuing safety and security from crime.
Fiscal Impacts
N/A
Alternatives
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the ordinance not be modified at this time. Consultation with the owners of the four affected retailers has shown two are already able to comply and the other two are willing and capable of compliance with the ordinance as written, however they will need more time to add the final pieces to their security measures due to circumstances outside their direct control. As such, while the effective date is August 1st, Staff believes that the businesses are making good faith efforts to comply with the ordinance. As such, Staff will continue to monitor the progress of the licensees and will follow up at 30-day intervals to ensure that compliance is being actively pursued in earnest before any notices of violations are issued.