Washington RCW 9.41.290 reserves firearms regulation to the state, blocking most city-level gun rules. Seattle has tested narrow ordinances on storage and parks, but courts have struck several down under the preemption statute.
Washington's firearms preemption statute, RCW 9.41.290, declares that the state fully occupies the field of firearms regulation. Cities may not enact ordinances on registration, possession, transfer, or carry that exceed state law. Seattle has attempted narrow rules — a 2009 parks gun ban was invalidated, and the 2018 Safe Storage Ordinance (SMC 10.79) survived an initial challenge but remains contested. Voter initiative I-1639 added some statewide storage rules. Local rules limited to discharge zones, building security, or employer policies on city property generally survive preemption.
Local gun rules conflicting with state law are unenforceable; violations of valid Seattle storage rules can result in civil infractions or misdemeanor charges if firearm is accessed by a prohibited person.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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See how Seattle's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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