Washington RCW 9.41.290 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, reserving authority over firearm laws to the state legislature with very limited exceptions.
Under RCW 9.41.290, the state of Washington fully occupies and preempts the entire field of firearms regulation within state boundaries. Cities, counties, towns, and other municipalities may not enact or enforce laws related to firearms registration, licensing, possession, purchase, sale, transfer, transportation, ammunition, or component parts. Only the state legislature may regulate these matters, ensuring uniform firearm laws statewide. Limited exceptions allow local restrictions on discharge of firearms within municipal limits and possession in stadiums or convention centers. Local ordinances inconsistent with state law are void and unenforceable.
Local ordinances violating preemption are unenforceable and may be challenged in court. Cities adopting invalid firearm laws face injunctions and civil liability under RCW 9.41.0975.
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit in TMC 13.06 a...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. The Noise Code (TMC 8.122) applies to continuously running blower motors...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified ...
Tacoma, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Tacoma require building permits from Planning and Development Services (PDS) when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas pip...
Tacoma, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Tacoma single-family yards are permitted but subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section 9.11, ...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma adopts the International Fire Code through TMC Title 3 (Fire Prevention) as Tacoma Fire Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices...
See how Tacoma's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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