California Penal Code section 53071 preempts almost all local firearm regulation, so San Diego cannot license or restrict gun ownership beyond state law. Narrow zoning, storage, and sensitive-place rules remain enforceable citywide.
Penal Code section 53071 fully occupies the field of firearm registration, licensing, manufacture, sale, possession, and transportation, voiding most conflicting San Diego ordinances. The city retains zoning authority over gun dealers, may regulate discharge inside city limits under SDMC chapter 5 article 3, and enforces the statewide sensitive-place restrictions adopted under SB-2 (2024). Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act and ATF rules layer on top. SDMC section 53.05 still bars firing weapons within the city absent narrow exceptions. Owners should treat California Penal Code as the binding rulebook citywide and not rely on San Diego adding registration or assault-weapon rules.
State firearms violations are misdemeanors or felonies under the Penal Code; San Diego may prosecute discharge or storage breaches but cannot add separate local registration penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Diego, CA
California bans open carry of handguns under Penal Code section 26350 and openly carried unloaded long guns in incorporated areas under section 26400. San Di...
San Diego, CA
Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. San Diego residents apply through the San Diego County Sheriff under shall-iss...
San Diego, CA
California Penal Code sections 25400 and 25610 require firearms transported by vehicle in San Diego to be unloaded, with handguns inside a locked container o...
See how San Diego's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.