A 45-day ordinance that would temporarily prohibit the establishment of new firearm and ammunition retail stores in the city of Goleta will go before the City Council on Tuesday.
This vote comes about two weeks after a gun shop, Goodland Guns, relocated next to a preschool and daycare on Hollister Avenue, sparking public outrage.
The ordinance needs a four-fifths vote for adoption, and the City Council could extend those 45 days, said Robert Nisbet, city manager.
According to the city staff report, the city’s existing firearms and ammunition sale regulatory framework is “insufficient.”
The City Council also deems a temporary prohibition of new firearms and ammunition retailers necessary, according to the city staff report. It would give city staff time to research permanent regulations regarding the establishment, commencement or expansion of gun stores.
Firearms and ammunition stores currently fall under general retail use and do not have specific standards, permitting requirements or locational criteria, which allows gun sales in four commercial zones.
Without the ordinance, the city would be able to approve applications for new firearms and ammunition stores. Doing so could pose “a current and immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare,” per the report.
The ordinance would not impact existing firearms and ammunition retailers or their relocations as long as the store does not operate from both its former and new location.
The city currently has two lawfully operating gun stores, according to the city staff report.
This includes Goodland Guns, which recently relocated and opened at 7443 Hollister Ave., next to an early learning facility, Here We Grow Early Learning Center, sparking community outcry.
Goleta’s move to possibly adopt the urgency ordinance is similar to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ decision to adopt its own 45-day moratorium on new gun retailers in unincorporated county areas.
The City Council will consider the urgency ordinance at its next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
People can attend in person or virtually. Click here for more information.
