The City of Los Angeles has enacted a series of local firearms ordinances that build upon California state law. Like San Francisco, Los Angeles takes advantage of California's limited preemption framework to impose additional restrictions within city limits. [1]
Ghost Gun Restrictions (LAMC Section 55.11)
In 2022, Los Angeles enacted one of the most comprehensive local ghost gun ordinances in the country, predating many of the state-level restrictions that California subsequently adopted. The ordinance was introduced under Council File 21-0899 [2]. The ordinance prohibits:
- Possession of any unserialized firearm (ghost gun) within city limits
- Possession, sale, or transfer of unfinished frames and receivers (80% lowers) without a serial number
- Sale or transfer of precursor parts kits designed to build firearms without a serial number
- 3D printing of firearm components without prior serialization through the DOJ
The LA ordinance went further than state law at the time of enactment by targeting possession of unfinished frames and receivers, not just completed unserialized firearms. State law has since largely caught up with AB 1621 (2022) and subsequent legislation.
Since the enactment of LA's ghost gun ordinance, California state law has substantially closed the gap between local and state-level ghost gun regulation. AB 1621 (2022) expanded state prohibitions on unserialized firearms and unfinished frames and receivers, and AB 1263 (effective January 1, 2026) [3] further broadened state regulation by expanding the definition of "firearm accessories" to include parts commonly used to produce ghost guns, requiring age verification and ID matching for all parts shipments, and prohibiting the distribution of CAD, CNC, or 3D printer files used to produce firearms or firearm components. SB 704 (effective January 1, 2026) [4] added a requirement that all standalone firearm barrel sales be conducted through licensed FFLs. As a result, the LA ordinance's ghost gun provisions, while still enforceable as an independent local enforcement mechanism, are now largely mirrored or exceeded by state law.
Large-Capacity Magazine Possession Ban
Los Angeles prohibits the possession of large-capacity magazines (more than 10 rounds) within city limits, mirroring the state prohibition at Penal Code Section 32310. The local ordinance provides an additional enforcement mechanism for LAPD officers and city prosecutors independent of state enforcement. While the state ban has been subject to ongoing litigation in Duncan v. Bonta, the local ordinance provides redundant authority for city-level enforcement.
Safe Storage Requirements
Los Angeles requires firearms in residences to be stored in a locked container or disabled with a trigger lock when not in the immediate possession of the owner. This requirement is more broadly applicable than state law under Penal Code Section 25100, which focuses primarily on preventing access by children and prohibited persons.
State law update: Effective January 1, 2026, California's SB 53 [5] (Penal Code Section 25145) now requires all firearms owners statewide to securely store their firearms whenever the firearms are not being carried or readily controlled by the owner or another lawful authorized user. This universal state mandate covers all firearm types and applies in all residences. The state requirement is now at least as strict as Los Angeles's local ordinance, effectively superseding it. The LA ordinance remains on the books, but residents need only focus on complying with the state law to satisfy both requirements.
Dealer Regulations
The City of Los Angeles imposes additional requirements on licensed firearms dealers beyond state and federal licensing, including enhanced zoning restrictions that limit dealer locations relative to schools, parks, and residential areas. Dealers must also comply with enhanced security requirements including alarm systems, secure storage facilities, and video surveillance. These zoning restrictions have limited the number of operational dealers within city limits.
Enforcement
The LAPD's Gun Unit works in coordination with the California DOJ Bureau of Firearms and the ATF to enforce both local and state firearms laws. The city has been particularly active in ghost gun recovery operations, reporting a significant increase in unserialized firearms recovered from crime scenes in recent years.