Local Firearms Preemption: Columbus vs Westerville
How do local firearms preemption rules compare between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH?
Columbus has fewer restrictions than Westerville.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Ohio Revised Code Section 9.68 broadly preempts municipal firearm regulation. Columbus ordinances on assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, and safe-storage rules have been repeatedly struck down or enjoined by Ohio courts.
View full Columbus rules →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
Ohio Revised Code 9.68 preempts local firearm ordinances, reserving authority over firearms regulation almost entirely to the state legislature.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Ohio ORC Section 9.68 | - |
| Local Authority | Discharge, municipal buildings only | - |
| Attorney Fees | Awarded to challengers | - |
| Columbus Rules | Repeatedly enjoined by courts | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Can Columbus ban assault weapons or large magazines?
No. Ohio ORC 9.68 preempts city firearm regulation. Columbus passed restrictions in 2022 but Ohio courts enjoined enforcement. Only the Ohio General Assembly may regulate firearms statewide.
Does Columbus have any local gun rules?
Columbus regulates discharge of firearms inside city limits and prohibits guns in certain municipal buildings consistent with state law. All ownership and carry rules come from Ohio Revised Code, not city ordinance.
Westerville FAQ
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