Firearms Regulations.

Saint Paul Legislative Code tit. XXIII, ch. 225A

in effect

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.01 Definitions.

Sec. 225A.01 - Definitions. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions must apply: Assault weapon has the same meaning as a "semiautomatic military-style assault weapon" as defined in Minn. Stat., § 624.712, subd. 7, as amended, and as referenced in 624.712, subd. 8, as amended. Assemble, assembles, assembled means to join, fit together, convert, restore, manufacture, construct, or otherwise complete parts or components so that they become or could become a functional firearm. Binary trigger means any device, mechanism, or part designed, marketed, or intended to cause a firearm to discharge one (1) round when the trigger is pulled and to discharge an additional round when the trigger is released, including devices commonly known as binary triggers, "two (2) stage" firing devices that produce this effect, and any conversion kit, component, or accessory that enables such functionality. City means the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Conspicuous means lettering in black, Arial typeface, at least one to one and one-half (1 to 1 ½) inches in height, against a bright contrasting background that is at least one hundred eighty-seven (187) square inches in area. Firearm has the same meaning provided for under Minnesota law. Frame or receiver has the same meaning as in Minnesota law and includes any part that provides housing for the hammer, bolt, or breechblock and is designed to be readily completed, converted, or assembled into a functional firearm. Ghost gun means: (1) A firearm that does not bear a serial number; or (2) A firearm manufactured, assembled, or constructed from parts, kits, or partial receivers that are unserialized and that are designed, marketed, or intended to be completed into a functional firearm; or (3) A frame or receiver that is not marked with a serial number by a manufacturer that is otherwise designed or marketed to be readily completed, assembled, or converted into a functional firearm (including but not limited to unfinished, partially machined, or eighty (80) percent frames/receivers and similar items); or (4) A firearm manufactured, assembled, or constructed from 3D-printed parts, kits, or partial receivers that are unserialized and that are designed, marketed, or intended to be completed into a functional firearm. (5) "Ghost gun" does not include firearms manufactured prior to 1968, antique firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(16), or firearms rendered "permanently inoperable." For the purpose of this section, a firearm is rendered "permanently inoperable" if it is incapable of discharging a shot by means of an explosive and incapable of being readily restored to a firing condition. The determination of whether restoration is "readily" possible shall consider the time, ease, expertise, equipment, parts availability, expense, scope of change required, and feasibility of restoration. Large-capacity magazine means: (1) Any ammunition feeding device that can accept more than twenty (20) rounds, including any device that can be readily restored or converted to accept more than twenty (20) rounds. (2) This does not include: (i) A tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm; or (ii) A twenty-two one-hundredths (.22) caliber fixed tubular magazine. Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity. Possess, possessed, or possession means actual physical possession or constructive Possession of the item referenced in the Ordinance in which the term is used. Both "actual Possession" and "constructive Possession" shall have the same meaning provided for under Minnesota law. Prominently means readily visible and within four (4) feet laterally of the public entrance and affixed to the building or attached to a post for outdoor locations, with the bottom of the sign at a height of four (4) to six (6) feet above the floor. Sensitive place means any City-owned, -leased, or -controlled building or property that is open to the public for governmental, educational, recreational, cultural, or civic purposes, including but not limited to City Hall and City offices, libraries, recreation centers, indoor and outdoor park spaces and park buildings, playgrounds, athletic facilities, arenas, and zoos. Unserialized means lacking a serial number imprinted by: (1) a federal firearms manufacturer, federal firearms importer, federal firearms dealer, or other federal licensee authorized to provide marking services, pursuant to a requirement under federal law; or (2) a federal firearms dealer or other federal licensee authorized to provide marking services. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.02 Chapter effective upon contingent events.

Sec. 225A.02. - Chapter effective upon contingent events. Pursuant to Minn. Stat., § 471.633 (state preemption of local firearms regulation), this chapter and its constituent ordinances are contingent and shall not take effect, nor be enforced, unless and until the earliest of the following occurs: (a) The repeal of Minn. Stat. § 471.633; or (b) The passage of any Minnesota law that is substantially the same as any part of this chapter or otherwise affirmatively authorizes municipalities to enact and enforce substantially similar regulations. Upon the occurrence of either condition, this chapter and its constituent Ordinances shall be effective immediately, without further action by the city council, and any language herein must be deemed conformed to the substantially similar state law to the extent required for consistency. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.03 Severability.

Sec. 225A.03. - Severability. If any clause, sentence, section, or provision of this chapter, or any ordinance contained herein, is held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding must not affect the remaining provisions of this chapter and the ordinances contained herein, which must remain in full force and effect. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.04 Enforcement.

Sec. 225A.04. - Enforcement. The Chief of the Saint Paul Police Department, or the Chief's designee, is authorized to enforce this chapter and its constituent ordinances. In addition, any duly appointed federal law enforcement officer, or other individual sworn as a peace officer under Minnesota law, is authorized to enforce this chapter. Enforcement shall be by criminal prosecution as authorized by law. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.05 No private right of action.

Sec. 225A.05. - No private right of action. Nothing in this chapter creates a private right of action. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.06 Forfeiture.

Sec. 225A.06. - Forfeiture. In the event of a violation of any provision of the chapter and its constituent ordinances, the City retains the legal right to take Possession of any and all items prohibited by this chapter as contraband, in addition to all criminal prosecution, and any other rights and remedies available to the City under applicable law. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.07 Prohibition on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.

Sec. 225A.07. - Prohibition on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. (a) Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines prohibited. Except as provided in subsection (d), it shall be unlawful for any person to: (1) Possess, transport, store, keep, or carry within the City any Assault weapon; (2) Possess, transport, store, keep, or carry within the City any Large-Capacity magazine; (3) Manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, transfer, or otherwise cause the sale or transfer of any Assault weapon within the City; and (4) Manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, transfer, or otherwise cause the sale or transfer of any Large-Capacity magazine within the City. (c) Penalties. Any person who violates Subsection (a) is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, or both. Each day a violation continues must be counted as a separate offense. Nothing in this section shall preclude the City from seeking injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent or abate violations. (d) Exceptions. The prohibitions in Subsection (a) must not apply to: (1) Active or reserve, federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement officers, or members of the armed forces of the United States (including National Guard and reserves), if the officer or member is qualified and acting within the scope of their official duties; (2) Firearms owned and possessed by the City or other duly authorized law enforcement or military governmental entities for official use; (3) A person who is licensed as a federal firearms curator or who holds such a license or permit under federal law and is engaged in an activity authorized under such license or permit, provided that the activity is conducted in compliance with federal law and this chapter and its constituent ordinances; (4) A person who is transporting an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine through the City provided that the weapon is unloaded and in a locked container, and the transport complies with all applicable state and federal laws; (5) A person engaged in the transfer of possession of an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine to a law-enforcement agency, the military, or a federal firearms licensee for lawful disposal, resale outside of the City, or other transfer in compliance with state and federal law. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.08 Prohibition on binary triggers.

Sec. 225A.08. - Prohibition on binary triggers. (a) Binary triggers prohibited. Except as provided in Subsection (c), it shall be unlawful for any person to: (1) Possess, transport, store, keep, or carry within the City any binary trigger; (2) Manufacture, import into the City, sell, offer for sale, transfer, or otherwise cause the sale or transfer of any binary trigger within the City. A person who installs, assembles, or uses a binary trigger on a firearm within the City must be deemed to Possess the binary trigger for purposes of this chapter and the ordinances contained herein. (b) Penalties. Any person who violates Subsection (a) is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days or both. Each day a violation continues must constitute a separate offense. Nothing in this section shall preclude the City from seeking injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent or abate violations. (c) Exceptions. The prohibitions in Subsection (a) shall not apply to: (1) Active or reserve, federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement officers, or members of the armed forces of the United States (including National Guard and reserves), if the officer or member is qualified and acting within the scope of their official duties; (2) Firearms owned and Possessed by the City or other duly authorized law enforcement or military governmental entities for official use; (3) A person who is licensed as a federal firearms curator or who holds such a license or permit under federal law and is engaged in an activity authorized under such license or permit, provided that the activity is conducted in compliance with federal law and this chapter and its constituent ordinances; (4) A person who is transporting a binary trigger through the City provided that any firearm equipped with such a binary trigger is unloaded and in a locked container, and the transport complies with all applicable state and federal laws; (5) A person engaged in the transfer of possession of a binary trigger to a law-enforcement agency, the military, or a federal firearms licensee for lawful disposal, resale outside of the City, or other transfer in compliance with state and federal law. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.09 Prohibition on ghost guns.

Sec. 225A.09. - Prohibition on ghost guns. (a) Ghost guns prohibited. Except as provided in Subsection (c), it shall be unlawful for any person to: (1) Possess, transport, store, keep, or carry within the city any ghost gun; (2) Manufacture, Assemble, import, sell, offer for sale, transfer, or otherwise cause the sale or transfer of any ghost gun within the city; (3) Assemble an unfinished or partially made frame or receiver that is unserialized into a firearm within the city. A person who installs, assembles, or uses an unserialized frame, receiver, or kit on or in a firearm within the City must be deemed to possess that ghost gun for purposes of this chapter and the ordinances contained herein. (b) Penalties. Any person who violates Subsection (a) is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, or both. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. Nothing in this section shall preclude the city from seeking injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent or abate violations. (c) Exceptions. The prohibitions in Subsection (a) shall not apply to: (1) Firearms owned and possessed by the City or other duly authorized law enforcement or military governmental entities for official use; (2) A person who is licensed as a federal firearms curator or who holds such a license or permit under federal law and is engaged in an activity authorized under such license or permit, provided that the activity is conducted in compliance with federal law and this chapter and its constituent Ordinances; (3) A person who is transporting a ghost gun through the city provided that any such ghost gun is unloaded, in a locked container, and the transport complies with all applicable state and federal laws; (4) A person engaged in the transfer of possession of a ghost gun to a law-enforcement agency, the military, or a federal firearms licensee for lawful disposal, resale outside of the city, or other transfer in compliance with state and federal law. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.10 Prohibition on firearms in sensitive places.

Sec. 225A.10. - Prohibition on firearms in sensitive places. (a) Firearms prohibited in sensitive places. Possession of any firearm in any sensitive place within the City is prohibited. (b) Penalties. Any person who violates Subsection (a) is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, or both. Each day a violation continues must be counted as a separate offense. Nothing in this section shall preclude the City from seeking injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent or abate violations. (c) Exceptions. The prohibition shall not apply to: (1) Firearms carried by authorized City personnel in the course of their official duties; (2) Persons who are otherwise expressly authorized by state law to possess firearms on premises notwithstanding municipal prohibition (e.g., as provided by state or federal law); or (3) Situations where possession of a firearm is necessary to render medical aid or address another imminent emergency, provided the person notifies facility staff or law enforcement as soon as practicable. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Saint Paul Legislative Code § 225A.11 Signage; notice.

Sec. 225A.11. - Signage; notice. (a) The City shall prominently post a conspicuous sign at each public entrance to sensitive places providing notice of all applicable firearm prohibitions. Additional signs must be posted in important interior locations, as determined by the City, including customer service desks, gymnasium entry points, and additional activity entry points. (b) Sign Content. Each sign shall state: "THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL BANS FIREARMS ON THESE PREMISES" and include a citation to the applicable section of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The City may include graphic symbols (e.g., a firearm silhouette with a strike-through) and multilingual translations as appropriate. (c) Enforcement and penalties. (1) The purpose of this section is to require signage and promote voluntary compliance; it is not intended to create new criminal prohibitions beyond those established by state or federal law. Violations of possession prohibitions shall be enforced under this Chapter and the ordinances contained herein as well as applicable state and federal law. (2) Nothing in this chapter limits the authority of the Saint Paul Police Department to enforce applicable state or local laws concerning firearms possession. (Ord. No. 25-65, § 2, 11-12-25)

Source: City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, City Charter, Legislative Code and Administrative Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIILECO_TITXXIIIPUHESAWE_CH225AFIREFetched: 11/1/2026