The Pinole City Council has passed a firearm storage ordinance, aiming to reduce risks associated with unsecured firearms.
As of Thursday, when the ordinance took effect, Pinole residents must store firearms in a locked container or secured with a trigger lock when not in use.
Ammunition is also required to be stored in a separate locked container.
Firearms left in vehicles must be disabled with a trigger lock, in a locked container, in the locked trunk of the vehicle when in Pinole with limited exceptions, the city said in a statement.
Violations of the residential storage requirements may be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per violation. For vehicles, the first violation will be treated as an infraction.
The city said the ordinance is designed to promote public safety by ensuring that firearms are inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, reducing the risk of tragic incidents such as accidental shootings, suicides, and crimes involving stolen firearms.
Tougher than California regulations
The city said it is one of the strongest firearm storage laws in the state. A state law only prohibits the storage of unlocked firearms on the premises if either a child — without parental permission — or someone who is not supposed to have access to firearms, is likely to gain access to the weapon.
“The impact of this local law is lifesaving,” said Pinole Vice Mayor Cameron Sasai. “Secure gun storage is a simple yet effective measure that will keep firearms from getting into the wrong hands, protecting our community from the impacts of gun violence.”
Pinole joins several other Bay Area cities requiring gun owners to lock up firearms, including Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pleasanton, and San Ramon.
The city said it encourages residents to familiarize themselves with the ordinance and take necessary steps to ensure their firearms are stored safely. For more information, visit the city of Pinole website or contact the city clerk at 510-724-8928.