(1)
Legislative Findings.
(a) Existing legislation
does not establish adequate safeguards and security measures with respect to the
storage of firearms, and thus many dealers store firearms in inadequately
secured and in unprotected places.
(b) The lack of adequate security
measures for the storage of firearms has resulted in easy accessibility to and
theft of firearms which are subsequently used in the commission of crimes and
represents a hazard to the health, welfare and safety of the
community.
(c) Adequate requirements for the safe and proper storage of
firearms would decrease both the incidence of unlawful entry for the purpose of
stealing such firearms and the subsequent commission of other crimes wherein
such firearms are
used.
(2)
Definitions.
(a)
Firearms means any
rifle, revolver, pistol or shotgun capable of propelling a projectile by means
of an explosive material or charge.
(b)
Dealer means any
individual, firm, association, partnership or corporation engaged in the
business of selling firearms, purchasing firearms for resale, or conducting a
gunsmith or firearms repair business. Whenever used in any clause prescribing
and imposing a penalty, the term "dealer" as applied to any partnership or
association shall mean the partners or members thereof, and as applied to any
corporation, shall include the officers
thereof.
[546] (3)
Security
Measures.
[547] (a) During
the hours they are not regularly open for business, dealers shall store all
firearms in accordance with the following requirements.
(.1) no
firearms shall be displayed in windows.
(.2) all firearms must be
placed in an approved safe, vault or properly secured
storeroom.
[548] (b) Before
promulgating any regulations designed to carry out the intent and purpose of
this Chapter, the Department shall consult with the Police
Department.
(4)
Safes. Any dealer may comply with the
requirements of this section by providing an approved steel safe wherein any
firearms may be stored and locked during non-business
hours.
(5)
Permits. No dealer shall receive a permit to store
firearms unless he:
(a) Complies with the provisions of this Section,
and regulations issued pursuant thereto;
(b) Pays an annual fee of
$35.
[549] (6)
Notice of
Violation.
(a) Any dealer who violates the provisions of this
Chapter shall be advised in writing by the Department of Licenses and
Inspections of the nature of the violation, and shall be required to comply with
the provisions of this Chapter within the period indicated in such notice,
provided that in no case shall the time permitted for such compliance exceed 60
days.
(b) Each day that any dealer fails to comply with the
requirements of this Chapter, or to make the changes indicated in any notice of
violation, after the period allowed for such compliance has expired, shall
constitute a separate violation of this ordinance.