California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
Government Code Section 53071 expressly occupies the field of registration and licensing of commercially manufactured firearms. Penal Code Section 25605 authorizes residents to keep firearms in their homes or businesses. Cities and counties cannot impose their own licensing schemes or registration requirements that conflict with state law. Local governments retain authority over discharge of firearms, zoning of firearms dealers, and prohibitions in municipally-controlled sensitive places. After the 2022 Bruen decision and SB 2 (2023), California revised concealed carry rules but kept preemption of local licensing intact.
Local ordinances inconsistent with statewide registration or licensing schemes are unenforceable and may be challenged as preempted in California courts.
See how San Diego's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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