FIREARMS - DANGEROUS WEAPONS

Los Angeles Municipal Code ch. V, art. 5

in effect

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.00 GUNS - PERMITS.

SEC. 55.00. GUNS - PERMITS. No person shall fire, shoot or discharge any gun, rifle, pistol or other firearm, or any air-gun, air-rifle or air-pistol, or any spring-gun, spring-rifle or spring-pistol, or any carbon dioxide or other gas operated gun, rifle or pistol without having first obtained a written permit from the Board of Police Commissioners.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.01 CONCEALED WEAPONS - PERMIT.

SEC. 55.01. CONCEALED WEAPONS - PERMIT. No person, except a peace officer shall wear or in any manner carry concealed upon their person, any loaded or unloaded gun, pistol or revolver, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon permitted to be carried by law without having, at the same time, actually in their possession, and upon them an unexpired permit so to do issued by the Board of Police Commissioners.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.02 CONCEALED WEAPONS - PERMIT - RECORD.

SEC. 55.02. CONCEALED WEAPONS - PERMIT - RECORD. The Board of Police Commissioners shall have power to issue to any person, who in the judgment of said board, shall have such privilege, a written permit to carry concealed any of the weapons specified in the preceding section. Such permits shall be numbered consecutively in the order in which they are issued. No permit shall be granted for a longer period than twelve months. Each such permit shall state the name, address and occupation of the person to whom the same is issued, and the date of its expiration and shall specify the kind and description of weapon authorized to be carried concealed by said person.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.03 CONCEALED WEAPONS - PERMITS - FEE.

SEC. 55.03. CONCEALED WEAPONS - PERMITS - FEE. The Chief of Police shall keep a record of all permits authorized by the Board of Police Commissioners under this article. No permit required by Section 55.01 shall be issued to any person until such person shall have paid to the Chief of Police a registration fee of Three ($3.00) Dollars. On Monday of each week the Chief of Police shall pay to the City Treasurer all such registration fees received during the preceding week.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.04 TEAR GAS WEAPONS - PERMITS.

SEC. 55.04. TEAR GAS WEAPONS - PERMITS. (Added by Ord. No. 151,335, Eff. 9/15/78.) No person shall purchase, possess or use any tear gas or tear gas weapons without having first been issued a written permit therefor by the Chief of Police. Such permit shall be issued upon a finding by the Chief of Police that the applicant has satisfied all of the following conditions: 1. Is a resident of the City of Los Angeles. 2. Is not a minor. 3. Has not been convicted of a felony. 4. Is not addicted to any narcotic drug. 5. Has not been convicted of any crime involving assault. 6. Has not been convicted of misuse of tear gas under Section 12403.7(a)(8) of the Penal Code of the State of California. 7. Has completed a course certified by the Department of Justice of the State of California in the use of tear gas and tear gas weapons pursuant to which a card is issued identifying the person who has completed such course. Such a course may be taken in any training institution certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to offer tear gas training. No permit required by this section shall be issued to any person until such person shall have paid to the Chief of Police a permit fee of $35.00, which shall be non-refundable in the event the application is denied. Such permit shall be valid for a period of seven years from the date of issuance and shall be non-transferable. Any permit issued hereunder shall be revoked by the Chief of Police if the applicant no longer meets all of the conditions set forth hereinabove.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.05 ASSAULT WEAPONS - SALE OR POSSESSION PROHIBITED.

SEC. 55.05. ASSAULT WEAPONS - SALE OR POSSESSION PROHIBITED. (Repealed by Ord. No. 175,301, Eff. 8/2/03.)

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.06 USE OF BOWS AND ARROWS PROHIBITED.

SEC. 55.06. USE OF BOWS AND ARROWS PROHIBITED. (Amended by Ord. No. 146,676, Eff. 11/25/74.) The use of bows and arrows in the City of Los Angeles is prohibited except when shooting at targets on an established public or private range. For the purpose of this section, the following phrases shall be construed as hereinafter set out: An “Established target range” is one where adequate precautions have been taken to insure that arrows do not pass beyond the perimeter of the target range facilities. The term “bows and arrows” shall include crossbows and any other device for the shooting of bolts or arrows capable of piercing flesh.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.07 PROHIBITION ON CARRYING OR POSSESSING SPECIFIED ITEMS WHILE ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN ANY PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION, RALLY, PROTEST, PICKET LINE OR PUBLIC ASSEMBLY.

SEC. 55.07. PROHIBITION ON CARRYING OR POSSESSING SPECIFIED ITEMS WHILE ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN ANY PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION, RALLY, PROTEST, PICKET LINE OR PUBLIC ASSEMBLY. (Title and Section Amended by Ord. No. 185,217, Eff. 11/3/17.) (a) No person shall carry or possess the following items or articles while attending or participating in any demonstration, rally, protest, picket line or public assembly: 1. Any length of lumber, wood, or wood lath unless that object is 1/4 inch or less in thickness and 2 inches or less in width, or if not generally rectangular in shape, such object shall not exceed 3/4 inch in its thickest dimension. Both ends of the lumber, wood or wood lath shall be blunt; 2. Any length of metal or plastic pipe, whether hollow or solid; provided, however, that hollow plastic piping not exceeding 3/4 inch in its thickest dimension and not exceeding 1/8 inch in wall thickness, and not filled with any material, liquid, gas or solid may be used solely to support a sign, banner, placard, puppet or other similar expressive display. Both ends of any plastic pipe permissible under this subsection shall be blunt; 3. Signs, posters, banners, plaques or notices, whether or not mounted on a length of material permitted under Subdivisions 1. and 2. of this section, unless such sign, poster, banner, plaque or notice is constructed solely of soft material, such as cloth, paper, soft plastic capable of being rolled or folded, or cardboard material no greater than 1/4 inch in thickness; 4. Baseball or softball bats, regardless of composition or size; provided, however, that such items are permissible when configured of cloth, cardboard, soft plastic, foam or paper for expressive purposes; 5. Any aerosol spray, tear gas, mace, pepper spray or bear repellant; 6. Any projectile launcher or other device, such as a catapult or wrist rocket, which is commonly used for the purpose of launching, hurling or throwing any object, liquid, material or other substance, whether through force of air pressure, spring action or any other mechanism; 7. Weapons such as firearms, knives, swords, sabers or other bladed devices, axes, hatchets, ice picks, razor blades, nunchucks or martial arts weapons of any kind, box cutters, pellet or BB guns, conducted electrical weapons (CEWs), including, but not limited to, Tasers or stun guns, metal/composite/ wooden knuckles, or any chain greater than 20 inches in length or greater than 1/4 inch in diameter. This subdivision also includes toy or replica firearms unless such toy or replica is florescent colored or transparent. 8. Balloons, bottles or any other container such as water cannons or super-soakers, filled with any flammable, biohazard or other noxious matter which is injurious, or nauseous, sickening or irritating to any of the senses, with intent to throw, drop, pour, disperse, deposit, release, discharge or expose the same in, upon or about any demonstration, rally, protest, picket line or public assembly; 9. Glass bottles, whether empty or filled; 10. Open flame torches, lanterns or other devices that utilize combustible materials such as gasoline, kerosene, propane or other fuel sources; 11. Shields made of metal, wood, hard plastic or any combination thereof; 12. Bricks, rocks, pieces of asphalt, concrete, pellets or ball bearings. 13. Laser pointers or laser-style devices emitting any color beam, milliwatt output level, intensity class level or any visibility level, including infrared, or nonvisible. (Added by Ord. No. 186,799, Eff. 11/3/20.) (b) When feasible, excluding exigent circumstances, a warning shall be issued before enforcement of the provisions of this section. Such warning shall be sufficient if provided orally, by posted signs or by amplified announcement. (c) Authorized peace officers, or employees, agents or representatives of the City, shall be exempt from the provisions of this section when such officers, employees, agents or representatives of the City are engaged in official business of the City. (d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit an individual from carrying a cane or using a walker or other device necessary for providing mobility so that the person may participate in a public protest, demonstration, rally, picket line or public assembly. Further, nothing in this section shall prohibit the imposition of specific conditions for activities expressly authorized under permit issued by the City of Los Angeles pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 103.111.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.08 GLASS BOTTLES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY PROHIBITED.

SEC. 55.08. GLASS BOTTLES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY PROHIBITED. (Added by Ord. No. 159,636, Eff. 3/5/85.) No person shall carry any glass beverage bottle, whether empty or not, into any public street, or portion of any public street, or onto any other public property when such street or property is being temporarily used for the conducting of a community civic event or local special event of community interest with respect to which approval to use the street or property for said event has been given by the City of Los Angeles by permit, City Council resolution or otherwise, and where barricades or other devices or City personnel have been placed or stationed in the public street or streets and at any other public way along the perimeter of the area being so used. The provisions of this section shall not apply when beverages are sold or dispensed within the area in glass bottles, nor shall the provisions of this section apply to any glass bottle brought into the area which contains any drug or medicine or which is designated for dispensing milk, juice or other beverages to babies or infants, or which is intended to be used, or the contents of which is intended to by used, in the preparation or seasoning of food.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.09 AMMUNITION SALES.

SEC. 55.09. AMMUNITION SALES. (Added by Ord. No. 165,930, Eff. 6/5/90.) (a) The term “firearm ammunition”, as used in this section, shall include any ammunition for use in pistols, revolvers, rifles, shot guns, or any other device designed to be used as a weapon from which is expelled a projectile by the force of explosion or other form of combustion. (b) Except as specified in Subsection (c) and (d), no person, including retail gun dealers, shall sell, give, lend or transfer ownership of any firearm ammunition during the period of seven days prior to the first day of January of each year or on the first day of January of each year, or during the seven days prior to the Fourth of July of each year or on the Fourth of July of each year. (c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the sale or transfer of ownership of firearm ammunition by a wholesale gun dealer to another wholesale gun dealer or by a wholesale gun dealer to a retail gun dealer, or of ammunition requested by Section 12324 of the Penal Code of the State of California. (d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit sale to or acquisition by any person described in Section 12302 or 12322 of the Penal Code of the State of California. (e) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the sale of any firearm ammunition when such sale is prohibited by Sections 12303, 12303.6, 12304 or 12321 of the Penal Code of the State of California, or is otherwise prohibited by Chapter 2.5, Title 2, Part 4, of the Penal Code of the State of California.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.10 CARRY KNIVES OR DAGGERS IN PLAIN VIEW PROHIBITED.

SEC. 55.10. CARRY KNIVES OR DAGGERS IN PLAIN VIEW PROHIBITED. (Added by Ord. No. 162,995, Eff. 1/7/88.) (a) As used in this section, the term “knife” or “dagger” shall include any knife, dirk or dagger having a blade 3 inches or more in length, any ice pick or similar sharp tool, any straight edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle. (b) No person shall wear or carry in plain view any knife or dagger upon any public street or other public place or in any place open to the public. (c) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply where a person is wearing or carrying a knife or dagger for use in a lawful occupation, for lawful recreational purposes, or as a recognized religious practice, or while the person is traveling to or returning from participation in such activity.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.11 REQUIREMENTS FOR AMMUNITION SALES.

SEC. 55.11. REQUIREMENTS FOR AMMUNITION SALES. (Title and Section Amended by Ord. No. 180,447, Eff. 2/2/09, Oper. 6/18/09.) (a) “Firearm Ammunition” means any self- contained unit consisting of the case, primer, propellant charge, and projectile for use in pistols, revolvers, rifles, shot guns, or any other device designed to be used as a weapon from which is expelled a projectile by the force of explosion or other form of combustion. “Firearm Ammunition” shall not include blank ammunition used solely in the course of motion picture, television, video, or theatrical productions. (b) The term “vendor”, as used in this section, shall mean any person who is engaged in the retail sale of firearm ammunition and retail firearms dealers. (c) No vendor shall sell or otherwise transfer ownership of any firearm ammunition to any person other than those listed in subsection (g) without at the time of purchase recording the following information on a form to be prescribed by the Board of Police Commissioners: 1. the date of the transaction, 2. the name, address and date of birth of the transferee, 3. the transferee’s drivers license or other identification number and the state in which it was issued, 4. the brand, type and amount of ammunition transferred, 5. the transferee’s signature, and 6. the name of the sales person who processed the transaction. The vendor shall also at the time of purchase or transfer obtain the right thumb print of the purchaser or transferee on the above-referenced form. (d) No vendor shall sell or otherwise transfer ownership of any firearm ammunition without complying with all requirements of subsection (c) in a face-to-face transaction. (e) The records required by this section shall be maintained on the premises of the vendor for a period of not less than two (2) years from the date of the recorded transfer. Said records shall be subject to inspection at any time during normal business hours in accordance with the provisions of Section 103.14 of this Code. In addition, said records shall, within five (5) calendar days of a firearm ammunition transfer, be electronically transmitted to the Los Angeles Police Department in a format and manner approved by the Chief of Police. (Amended by Ord. No. 183,328, Eff. 1/24/15.) (f) No person shall knowingly make a false entry in, or fail to make a required entry in, or fail to obtain the required thumb print, or fail to maintain in the required manner records prepared in accordance herewith. No person shall refuse to permit a police department employee to examine any record prepared in accordance with this section during any inspection conducted pursuant to this section, or refuse to permit the use of any record or information therefrom by the police department. (g) The requirements of subsection (c) shall not apply when the purchaser is any of the following: 1. any person described in Section 12302 or 12322 of the Penal Code of the State of California. 2. any off-duty peace officer who displays proper agency identification which identifies the officer as an active peace officer. 3. any person who has been issued a permit to carry a concealed weapon under the authority of Section 12050 of the Penal Code of the State of California 4. any security guard licensed under the authority of Section 12033 of the Penal Code of the State of California. 5. any firearms dealer who has been issued a Federal Firearms License, a Certificate of Eligibility by the State of California and a Seller of Firearms Police Permit by the City of Los Angeles. 6. any firearm ammunition vendor who has been issued a Seller of Ammunition Police Permit by the City of Los Angeles. (h) Violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.12 DUTY TO REPORT THEFT OR LOSS OF FIREARMS; EXEMPTIONS.

SEC. 55.12. DUTY TO REPORT THEFT OR LOSS OF FIREARMS; EXEMPTIONS. (Added by Ord. No. 178,010, Eff. 12/3/06.) A. Any person who owns or possesses a firearm (as defined in Penal Code Section 12001(b) or as amended) shall report the theft or loss of the firearm to the Los Angeles Police Department within 48 hours of becoming aware of the theft or loss, whenever: (1) the person resides in the City of Los Angeles; or (2) the theft or loss of the firearm occurs in the City of Los Angeles. B. Any person who has experienced the theft or loss of a firearm within the five years prior to the effective date of this ordinance without the firearm having been recovered during that period, and who otherwise meets the reporting requirements in Section A. above, is required to report the loss or theft of the firearm to the Los Angeles Police Department within 60 days of the effective date of this ordinance. C. Any person who fails to report the theft or loss of a firearm as required in Subsections A. or B., when the person knew or should have known of the theft or loss, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. D. Persons licensed to sell or manufacture firearms pursuant to Penal Code Sections 12071 or 12086 are exempt from this section, if the firearm lost or stolen was business merchandise, was lost or stolen from their firearm-related business, or was in their possession pursuant to Penal Code Section 12082. E. If any provision of this ordinance is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which can be implemented without the invalid provisions, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.12.1 DISPOSAL OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.

SEC. 55.12.1. [DISPOSAL OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.] (Added by Ord. No. 179,149, Eff. 10/7/07.) (a) Definitions. 1. “Firearm,” as used in this section, means any pistol, rifle, shotgun or other device designed to be used as a weapon, from which a projectile is expelled through a barrel by the force of an explosion or any other form of combustion, or any device that is capable of being altered so as to expel a projectile in that manner. The term firearm includes the frame of such weapon. 2. “Ammunition,” as used in this section, means any projectile designed to be expelled through the barrel of a firearm by the force of any explosion or other form of combustion, including, but not limited to, cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellant powder. (b) Disposal of a firearm and/or ammunition in the City of Los Angeles shall only be accomplished in either of the following two ways: 1. By selling, giving away or otherwise transferring the firearm and/or ammunition in accordance with all applicable provisions of the California Penal Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, and this Code; or 2. By surrendering the firearm and/or ammunition to a California law enforcement agency for the purpose of destruction. (c) Any person in the City of Los Angeles who disposes of a firearm and/or ammunition in any manner other than as required by this section, including, but not limited to, by depositing those item(s) in a public trash receptacle or leaving in any public place, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.13 SALE OF AMMUNITION CLIPS AND SIMILAR DEVICES.

SEC. 55.13. SALE OF AMMUNITION CLIPS AND SIMILAR DEVICES. (Amended by Ord. No. 172,002, Eff. 6/5/98.) (a) No person shall sell or otherwise transfer to any other person a clip, magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device which has a capacity of, or which can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to: 1. the sale or transfer of such devices to any person described in Section 12302 or 12322 of the Penal Code of the State of California, or 2. the sale or transfer of ownership of such a device by a wholesale gun dealer to another wholesale gun dealer or by a wholesale gun dealer to a retail gun dealer, or 3. any entity or establishment engaged in the business of motion picture, television, video, theatrical, or re-enactment production, provided the clip, magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device is used solely as a prop in the course of motion picture, television, video, theater, or re-enactment production by an authorized participant therein or by an authorized agent or employee of the entity or establishment, and only if the entity or establishment properly secures such clip, magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device from unauthorized use, or 4. any federal, state or local historical society, museum or institutional collection which is open to the public provided any such clip, magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device is properly housed, secured from unauthorized handling and is unloaded.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.14 SALE OR PURCHASE OF MORE THAN ONE HANDGUN WITHIN A THIRTY DAY PERIOD PROHIBITED.

SEC. 55.14. SALE OR PURCHASE OF MORE THAN ONE HANDGUN WITHIN A THIRTY DAY PERIOD PROHIBITED. (Added by Ord. No. 172,430, Eff. 3/4/99, Oper. 6/3/99.) (a) The term “dealer” shall mean a retail firearms dealer licensed by the City of Los Angeles. (b) No person shall make application to a dealer, as provided in Section 12072 of the California Penal Code, to purchase a pistol, revolver or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, herein referred to as “handgun”, within thirty (30) days of making a prior application for the purchase of a handgun within the State of California. In computing the thirty (30) day period, the date the application is made shall be counted as the first day. (c) No dealer shall transfer the title of any handgun to any person whom the dealer knows has made application to purchase more than one handgun within the State of California within a thirty (30) day period prior thereto, nor shall any dealer process a handgun transaction between unlicensed parties pursuant to California Penal Code Section 12072 if the dealer knows that the one receiving the handgun has made application to purchase more than one handgun within the State of California within a thirty (30) day period prior thereto. (d) No dealer shall transfer the title of any handgun to any person or process a handgun transaction between unlicensed parties pursuant to California Penal Code Section 12072 if the dealer prior to transfer has received notice from the California Department of Justice, herein referred to as the “DOJ,” that DOJ has received an application for that person to purchase a handgun within the State of California within a thirty (30) day period prior thereto. For the purposes of this subsection, the date of application of purchase shall be the date the DOJ receives the Dealer Record of Sale or receives the transmission of required information by any medium of communication authorized under state law. (e) For the purposes of this section, the redemption of a handgun pledged to a pawnbroker shall not be deemed the sale, purchase or transfer of title of that handgun. However, a dealer may not rely on this exemption unless the purchaser provides proof that the transaction was the redemption of a handgun pawned to a pawnbroker by the purchaser. (f) Each dealer shall maintain records of each sale of a handgun to include the name of the purchaser, type of handgun, date of sale, and any other information required by the Board of Police Commissioners. Such records shall be maintained on the premises of the dealer for a period of not less than two (2) years and shall be subject to inspection at any time during normal business hours. (g) Each dealer shall post a sign in a conspicuous place with letters at least one inch high stating the obligations and restrictions of purchasers and dealers under this ordinance, pursuant to direction by the Board of Police Commissioners. (h) The dealer shall require the purchaser, at the time of application for purchase, to indicate, on a form prescribed by the Board of Police Commissioners, whether the purchaser has or has not made an application for the purchase of a handgun within the last thirty (30) days, and which if any of the exemptions set forth in Subsection (I) is applicable to the purchaser. If any of the exemptions is checked, the restrictions of this section shall not apply, provided all necessary information is supplied to the dealer. The form shall be signed by the purchaser under penalty of perjury. Such form shall be maintained on the premises of the dealer for a period of not less than two (2) years from the date of signing and shall be subject to inspection at any time during normal business hours. (i) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following: 1. Any person who is licensed to sell firearms pursuant to Article 4, commencing with Section 12070, of the Penal Code of the State of California. 2. Any law enforcement agency. 3. Any agency duly authorized to perform law enforcement duties. 4. Any state or local correctional facility. 5. Any private security company licensed to do business in the State of California. 6. Any person who is properly identified as a full-time paid peace officer, as defined in Section 830.1, 830.2, 830.4, or 830.5 of the Penal Code of the State of California, and who is authorized to, and does, carry a firearm during the course and scope of their employment as a peace officer. 7. Any antique firearm, as defined in Paragraph (16) of Subsection (a) of Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code. 8. Any person or entity who purchases firearms in a collector’s series or a bulk purchase from an estate sale. 9. Any motion picture, television, or video production company, or entertainment or theatrical company whose production involves the use of a handgun, and which secures such handgun from unauthorized use. 10. Any person who is exempt from the waiting period in Subdivision (c) of Section 12072 of the Penal Code of the State of California. 11. Any person who is exempt from the provisions of Subdivision (d) of Section 12072 of the Penal Code of the State of California. 12. Any person or entity conducting a transaction through a law enforcement agency pursuant to Section 12084 of the Penal Code of the State of California. 13. Any person or entity conducting a transaction described in Subdivision (k) of Section 12078 of the Penal Code of the State of California. 14. Any person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44, (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, and who has a current certificate of eligibility issued to them by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 12071 of the Penal Code of the State of California. 15. Any person or entity acquiring a handgun by bequest or intestate succession. 16. Any person or entity replacing a single handgun where the handgun was lost or stolen, and the person reported that firearm lost or stolen to the Los Angeles Police Department or appropriate law enforcement agency and presents the dealer with evidence of such reporting. 17. Any seller’s exchange or replacement of a handgun for a handgun purchased from that seller within the thirty (30) day period immediately preceding the date of exchange or replacement. (j) Violation of Subsection (b) shall be punishable as an infraction subject to a fine of $50.00 for the first violation of that subsection, as an infraction subject to a fine of $100.00 for the second violation of the subsection and as a misdemeanor for the third or subsequent violations of that subsection. Each handgun applied for shall be deemed a separate violation. (k) If any provision of this section is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction within the State of California, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions and the City declares that it would have adopted the remaining provisions irrespective of the fact that a provision or provisions are declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.15 FINGERPRINTING OF FIREARMS PURCHASERS.

SEC. 55.15. FINGERPRINTING OF FIREARMS PURCHASERS. (Added by Ord. No. 173,876, Eff. 5/18/01.) (a) As used in this section, the term “firearm” shall mean any pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, or other firearm, as that term is defined in Section 103.314 of this Code. (b) As used in this section, the term “dealer” shall mean any person who is engaged in the retail sale of firearms and any retail firearms dealer, as that term is defined in Section 103.314 of this Code. (c) No dealer shall sell or otherwise transfer ownership of any firearm without obtaining the right thumb print of the purchaser or transferee on the California Department of Justice Dealer Record of Sale of Firearm worksheet signed by the purchaser or transferee. The thumb print shall be recorded at the lower right hand corner on the back side of the worksheet at the time that the worksheet is signed by the purchaser or transferee. (d) The thumb print record required by this section shall be maintained on the premises of the dealer throughout the time period during which the Dealer Record of Sale is required to be maintained by the dealer. Such record shall be subject to inspection at any time during normal business hours in accordance with the provisions of Section 103.14 of this Code. (e) No person shall knowingly fail to obtain a required thumb print, or knowingly fail to maintain the record of a thumb print required by this section. No person shall refuse to permit a law enforcement employee to examine any record prepared in accordance with this section during any inspection conducted pursuant to this section, or refuse to permit the use of any such record or information in such record by a law enforcement agency. (f) The requirements of this section shall not apply when the purchaser or transferee is any of the following: (1) Any person described in Section 12302 or 12322 of the California Penal Code; (2) Any off-duty peace officer who displays proper agency identification which identifies the officer as an active peace officer; (3) Any person who has been issued a permit to carry a concealed weapon under the authority of Section 12050 of the California Penal Code; (4) Any security guard licensed under the authority of Section 12033 of the California Penal Code; (5) Any firearms dealer who has been issued a Federal Firearms License, a Certificate of Eligibility by the State of California, and a Seller of Firearms Permit by the City of Los Angeles. (g) Any violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.16 SALE OF ULTRACOMPACT FIREARMS PROHIBITED.

SEC. 55.16. SALE OF ULTRACOMPACT FIREARMS PROHIBITED. (Repealed by Ord. No. 185,152, Eff. 10/15/17.)

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.17 POSSESSION OF GUN PARTS IN AIRPORTS.

SEC. 55.17. POSSESSION OF GUN PARTS IN AIRPORTS. (Added by Ord. No. 174,656, Eff. 8/3/02.) (a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess within any airport or airport operations area, as defined in California Penal Code Sections 602(t)(3)(A) and (C), either in an area to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property or in an area in which these inspections are conducted, any of the following items: (1) any frame, receiver or barrel of a firearm; (2) any ammunition as defined in California Penal Code Section 12316. (b) This provision shall not apply to, or affect, any of the following: (1) a duly appointed peace officer, as defined in California Penal Code Chapter 4.5 (commencing with California Penal Code Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, a retired peace officer with authorization to carry concealed weapons as described in California Penal Code Section 12027(a), a full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California, or any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while the person is actually engaged in assisting the officer. (2) authorization to possess any frame, receiver or barrel of a firearm or any ammunition granted, in writing, by the city official designated by title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1542.3 as the person in charge of security of the airport. (c) A violation of this section shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.18 SALE OF LARGE CALIBER FIREARMS PROHIBITED.

SEC. 55.18. SALE OF LARGE CALIBER FIREARMS PROHIBITED. (Amended by Ord. No. 176,603, Eff. 6/5/05.) (a) As used in this section, the term “large caliber firearm” shall mean any firearm, as defined in Section 103.314 of this Code, capable of firing a center-fire cartridge of .50 caliber or larger either by designation or by actual measurement. The term “large caliber firearm” shall include any rifle or handgun. (b) As used in this section, the term “rifle” shall mean any firearm that is designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and is designed to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger. The term “rifle” shall not include any shotgun. (c) As used in this section, the term “handgun” shall mean any firearm with a barrel less than 16 inches in length. The term “handgun” shall include any pistol, revolver, or concealable firearm as such terms are defined in the California Penal Code. (d) No person shall sell, give, transfer ownership of, transfer, offer for sale, or display for sale any large caliber firearm. (e) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any sale or transfer of a firearm which is prohibited under state law, of any destructive device as defined in Section 12301 of the California Penal Code, of any assault weapon as defined in the California Penal Code, or of any .50 BMG rifle as defined in the California Penal Code. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any offer for sale or display in any periodical, solicitation by mail, or use of the internet by a seller or offeror located outside the City of Los Angeles. (f) The provisions of Subsection (d) of this section shall not apply where the purchaser or transferee is any of the following: (1) A law enforcement agency; (2) An agency duly authorized to perform law enforcement duties; (3) A state or local correctional facility; (4) A person described in Section 12302 or 12322 of the California Penal Code, when acting within the course and scope of their law enforcement duties; (5) A federal law enforcement officer, when acting in the course and scope of their law enforcement duties; (6) A person who is properly identified as a full-time paid peace officer, as defined in Section 830.1, 830.2, 830.4, or 830.5 of the California Penal Code, and who is authorized to, and does, carry a firearm during the course of their employment as a peace officer, and is acting within the course and scope of such employment; (7) A firearms dealer who has been issued a Federal Firearms License, a Certificate of Eligibility by the State of California, and a permit by the City of Los Angeles to engage in the retail sale of firearms; (8) A purchaser of a curio or collector firearm. A firearm shall be deemed curio or collector only if it falls within one of these categories: (A) It was manufactured prior to 1899; (B) It is classified as a curio or relic pursuant to 27 Code of Federal Regulations section 178.11, and the purchaser maintains a current federal firearms collector license; or (C) It is a muzzle-loading firearm; (9) A federal, state, or local historical society, museum, or institutional collection that is open to the public, provided that the large caliber firearm is used for display purposes, is secured from unauthorized use, and is unloaded; (10) A person acting pursuant to a valid entertainment firearms permit issued by the State of California; or (11) A person who obtains title to a large caliber firearm by bequest or intestate succession. (g) Any violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.19 SALE OF AMMUNITION FOR LARGE CALIBER FIREARMS PROHIBITED.

SEC. 55.19. [SALE OF AMMUNITION FOR LARGE CALIBER FIREARMS PROHIBITED.] (Added by Ord. No. 180,448, Eff. 2/5/09.) (a) Definitions. 1. “Firearm Ammunition” means any self-contained unit consisting of the case, primer, propellant charge, and projectile for use in pistols, revolvers, rifles, shot guns, or any other device designed to be used as a weapon from which is expelled a projectile by the force of explosion or other form of combustion. “Firearm Ammunition” shall not include blank ammunition used solely in the course of motion picture, television, video, or theatrical productions. 2. “Large caliber firearm” means any firearm, as defined in Section 103.314 of this Code, capable of firing a center-fire cartridge of .50 caliber or larger either by designation or by actual measurement. The term “large caliber firearm” shall include any rifle or handgun. (b) No person shall sell, give, transfer ownership of, transfer, offer for sale, or display for sale any firearm ammunition for any large caliber firearm. (c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any sale or transfer of firearm ammunition which is prohibited under state law, including but not limited to any destructive device as defined in Section 12301 of the California Penal Code or any fixed ammunition of a caliber greater than .60 caliber as defined in Section 12304 of the California Penal Code. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any offer for sale or display in any periodical, solicitation by mail, or use of the internet by a seller or offeror located outside the City of Los Angeles. (d) The provisions of Subsection (b) of this section shall not apply where the purchaser or transferee is any of the following: (1) A law enforcement agency; (2) An agency duly authorized to perform law enforcement duties; (3) A state or local correctional facility; (4) A person described in Section 12302 or 12322 of the California Penal Code, when acting within the course and scope of their law enforcement duties; (5) A federal law enforcement officer, when acting in the course and scope of their law enforcement duties; and (6) A person who is properly identified as a full-time paid peace officer, as defined in Section 830.1, 830.2, 830.4, or 830.5 of the California Penal Code, and who is authorized to, and does, carry a firearm during the course of their employment as a peace officer, and is acting within the course and scope of such employment. (e) Penalty. Any violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor. (f) Severability. If any provision of this ordinance is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, which can be implemented without the invalid provisions, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.20 FALSE OR SECRET COMPARTMENTS IN VEHICLES TO HIDE FIREARMS OR DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES.

SEC. 55.20. FALSE OR SECRET COMPARTMENTS IN VEHICLES TO HIDE FIREARMS OR DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES. (Added by Ord. No. 180,450, Eff. 2/7/09.) (a) Definitions. 1. “False or Secret Compartment” means any box, container, space, or enclosure that is intended or designed for use to conceal, hide, or otherwise prevent discovery of any unlawfully possessed firearm or destructive device, within or attached to a vehicle, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (i) False, altered, or modified fuel tanks; (ii) Original factory equipment of a vehicle that is modified, altered, or changed; (iii) Compartment, space, or box that is added to, or fabricated, made, or created from, existing compartments, spaces, or boxes within a vehicle. 2. “Vehicle” means any of the following vehicles without regard to whether the vehicles are private or commercial, including, but not limited to, cars, trucks, buses, motor homes, motorcycles, aircraft, boats, ships, yachts, and vessels. 3. “Firearm”, as used in this section, means any pistol, rifle, shotgun or other device designed to be used as a weapon, from which a projectile is expelled through a barrel by the force of an explosion or any form of combustion, or any device that is capable of being altered so as to expel a projectile in that manner. The term firearm includes the frame of such weapon. 4. “Destructive device” means a destructive device as defined in Section 12301 of the California Penal Code. (b) It is unlawful for any person to possess, use, or control a False or Secret Compartment with the intent to store, conceal, smuggle, or transport any unlawfully possessed firearm or destructive device. (c) It is unlawful for any person to design, construct, build, alter, or fabricate a False or Secret Compartment for, or install or attach a False or Secret Compartment in or to a vehicle. (d) Penalty. Violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor. (e) Severability. If any provision of this ordinance is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions which can be implemented without the invalid provisions, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.21 SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS.

SEC. 55.21. SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS. (Title and Section Amended, Ord. No. 186,311, Eff. 9/13/19.) (a) Definitions. 1. “Firearm” means a Firearm as defined in California Penal Code, Section 16520, as amended from time to time. 2. “Locked Container” means a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock or similar locking device. 3. “Residence” means any structure intended or used for human habitation, including, but not limited to, houses, condominiums, rooms, in-law units, motels, hotels, single room occupancies, time-shares, and recreational and other vehicles where human habitation occurs. 4. “Trigger Lock” means a trigger lock that is listed on the California Department of Justice’s roster of approved firearm safety devices and that is identified as appropriate for that firearm by reference to either the manufacturer and model of the firearm or to the physical characteristics of the firearm that match those listed on the roster for use with the device under Penal Code Section 23655(d). (b) Prohibition. No person shall keep a firearm within a residence unless the firearm is: 1. Stored in a locked container or disabled with a trigger lock that has been approved by the California Department of Justice; 2. Carried on the person of the owner or other lawfully authorized user of the firearm who is over the age of 18; or 3. Within close enough proximity and control that the owner or other lawfully authorized user of the firearm who is over the age of 18 can readily retrieve and use the firearm as if carried on the person. (c) Penalty. Every violation of this Section shall constitute a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or by both. (d) Severability. If any provision of this Section is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Section which can be implemented without the invalid provisions, and to this end, the provisions of this Section are declared to be severable. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Section and each provision thereof irrespective of whether any one or more provisions are found invalid, unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable.

Los Angeles Municipal Code § 55.22 PROHIBITION ON POSSESSION, PURCHASE, OR SALE OF NON-SERIALIZED, UNFINISHED FIREARM FRAMES OR RECEIVERS AND NON-SERIALIZED FIREARMS.

SEC. 55.22. PROHIBITION ON POSSESSION, PURCHASE, OR SALE OF NON-SERIALIZED, UNFINISHED FIREARM FRAMES OR RECEIVERS AND NON-SERIALIZED FIREARMS. (Added by Ord. No. 187,310, Eff. 1/17/22.) (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following definitions, as indicated. (1) “Federal Firearms Importer” means a licensed firearm importer as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(9), as may be amended. (2) “Federal Firearms Manufacturer” means a licensed firearm manufacturer as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(10), as may be amended. (3) “Firearm” means a firearm as defined in California Penal Code Section 16520(a), as may be amended. As used in this section, “Firearm” shall include a handgun, rifle, or shotgun. (4) “Frame” means the primary structural component of a Firearm to which the fire control components are attached. (5) “Non-Serialized Firearm” means a Firearm that is not imprinted with a serial number issued by a Federal Firearms Importer or Federal Firearms Manufacturer in compliance with federal law, or engraved or permanently affixed with a serial number provided by the California Department of Justice. (6) “Receiver” means the primary structural component of a Firearm to which the fire control components are attached. (7) “Firearm Precursor Parts Vendor” means a person or entity holding a valid precursor parts vendor license, firearms dealer license, or ammunition vendor license, as defined in California Penal Code Section 16532, as may be amended. (8) “Unfinished Frame” means a piece of any material that does not constitute the completed Frame of a Firearm, but that has been shaped or formed in any way for the purpose of becoming the Frame of a Firearm, and which may readily be made into a functional Frame of a Firearm through milling, drilling, or other means. (9) “Unfinished Receiver” means a piece of any material that does not constitute the completed Receiver of a Firearm, but that has been shaped or formed in any way for the purpose of becoming the Receiver of a Firearm, and which may readily be made into a functional Receiver of a Firearm through milling, drilling, or other means. (b) Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person to: (1) Possess, receive, or transport an Unfinished Frame or Unfinished Receiver, unless the Unfinished Frame or Unfinished Receiver is required by federal law to be, and has been, imprinted with a serial number issued by a Federal Firearms Importer or Federal Firearms Manufacturer, or has been engraved or permanently affixed with a serial number provided by the California Department of Justice. The foregoing prohibition shall not apply to or affect any of the following: A. A Federal Firearms Importer or Federal Firearms Manufacturer; B. A Firearm Precursor Parts Vendor; C. An employee or sworn peace officer of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, if the employee or sworn peace officer is acting within the scope of official duties; D. A person who is on the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees maintained by the California Department of Justice pursuant to California Penal Code Section 28450, et seq.; E. A common carrier licensed or regulated under state or federal law or an authorized agent of a common carrier when acting in the course and scope of duties incident to the receipt, processing, transportation, or delivery of property; or F. The possession or receipt of an Unfinished Frame or Unfinished Receiver by the person who obtained it through a transaction processed by a Firearm Precursor Parts Vendor pursuant to and in compliance with Penal Code Section 30400, et seq. (2) Sell, offer to sell, transfer, offer to transfer, or purchase an Unfinished Frame or Unfinished Receiver, unless the Unfinished Frame or Unfinished Receiver is required by federal law to be, and has been, imprinted with a serial number issued by a Federal Firearms Importer or Federal Firearms Manufacturer, or has been engraved or permanently affixed with a serial number provided by the California Department of Justice. The foregoing prohibition shall not apply to or affect any of the following: A. A Federal Firearms Importer or Federal Firearms Manufacturer; B. A Firearm Precursor Parts Vendor; C. An employee or sworn peace officer of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, if the employee or sworn peace officer is acting within the scope of official duties; D. A person who is on the centralized list of exempted federal firearms licensees maintained by the California Department of Justice pursuant to California Penal Code Section 28450, et seq:, E. The transfer or surrender of a non-serialized unfinished frame or unfinished receiver to a law enforcement agency; or F. The sale, transfer, or purchase of an Unfinished Frame or Unfinished Receiver processed by a Firearm Precursor Parts Vendor pursuant to and in compliance with Penal Code Section 30400, et seq. (3) Possess, receive, or transport a Non-Serialized Firearm. The foregoing prohibition shall not apply to or affect any of the following: A. A Federal Firearms Importer or Federal Firearms Manufacturer; B. An employee or sworn peace officer of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, if the employee or sworn peace officer is acting within the scope of official duties; C. A common carrier licensed or regulated under state or federal law or an authorized agent of a common carrier when acting in the course and scope of duties incident to the receipt, processing, transportation, or delivery of property; D. A person who is in compliance with California Penal Code Section 29180, as may be amended; or E. A Non-Serialized Firearm that: i. has been rendered permanently inoperable; ii. is an antique firearm as defined in California Penal Code Section 16170, as may be amended; iii. was manufactured or assembled prior to 1968; iv. has been determined to be a collector’s item pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Ch. 53, including § 5845, as may be amended, or a curio or relic pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Ch. 44, including § 921(a), as may be amended, and 27 C.F.R. § 478.11, as may be amended; or v. has been entered into the centralized registry set forth in California Penal Code Section 11106, as may be amended, prior to July 1, 2018, as being owned by a specific individual or entity if that firearm has assigned to it a distinguishing number or mark of identification. (4) Sell, offer to sell, transfer, offer to transfer, or purchase a Non-Serialized Firearm. The foregoing prohibition shall not apply to or affect any of the following: A. A Federal Firearms Importer or Federal Firearms Manufacturer; B. The transfer, surrender, or sale of a Non-Serialized Firearm to a law enforcement agency; or C. A Non-Serialized Firearm that: i. has been rendered permanently inoperable; ii. is an antique firearm as defined in California Penal Code Section 16170, as may be amended; iii. was manufactured or assembled prior to 1968; or iv. has been determined to be a collector’s item pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Ch. 53, including § 5845, as may be amended, or a curio or relic pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Ch. 44, including § 921(a), as may be amended, and 27 C.F.R. § 478.11, as may be amended. (c) Penalty. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and upon conviction may be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or by both. (d) Operative Date. Except for Subsections (b)(1) and (b)(3) of this section, this ordinance shall become effective 30 days after enactment. Subsections (b)(1) and (b)(3) of this section shall take effect 90 days after enactment. (e) Preemption. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted or applied so as to create any requirement, power, or duty in conflict with any federal or state law. (f) Notice. Upon enactment of this ordinance, the City shall promptly take reasonable efforts to inform residents of its provisions. The information shall include notice that residents who possess any Unfinished Frame, Unfinished Receiver, or Non-Serialized Firearm will not be penalized under Subsections (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section if they surrender the non-complying Unfinished Frame, Unfinished Receiver, or Non-Serialized Firearm to a law enforcement agent or agency. (g) Severability. If any provision of this section, or any application thereof to any person or circumstance, is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this section which can be implemented without the invalid provisions and, to this end, the provisions of this section are declared to be severable. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this section and each provision thereof irrespective of whether any one or more provisions are subsequently found invalid, unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable.

Source: City of Los Angeles, Charter and Codes (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-137866Fetched: 10/24/2026