The City and County of San Francisco has enacted local firearms ordinances that exceed state requirements in several areas. California law generally does not preempt local firearms regulation, allowing municipalities to impose additional restrictions beyond the Penal Code. [1]
Mandatory Safe Storage (Police Code Article 45)
San Francisco Police Code Article 45, Sections 4512-4513, requires that any person who keeps a handgun in a residence must store it in a locked container or disabled with a trigger lock when it is not being carried on the person. This requirement was upheld by the Ninth Circuit in Jackson v. City and County of San Francisco [2] (2014), predating the Bruen decision.
State law update: Effective January 1, 2026, California's SB 53 [3] (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 requirement covers all firearm types (not just handguns) and applies in all residences statewide, making it at least as strict as San Francisco's local ordinance. San Francisco's ordinance remains on the books but is now largely superseded by the broader state mandate. Residents must comply with both the state and local requirements, though in practice the state law's scope is equal to or greater than the local rule. See the California Firearms Storage Laws guide for details.
Dealer Restrictions
San Francisco's zoning and business licensing requirements have effectively limited the number of licensed firearms dealers operating within city limits. The city imposes additional requirements on dealers beyond state and federal licensing, including enhanced security measures, sales reporting, and video surveillance of all transactions. As of 2025, there is only one licensed firearms dealer operating in San Francisco.
Hollow Point Ammunition Ban (Repealed)
San Francisco formerly prohibited the sale of hollow point ammunition within city limits under Police Code Section 613.10(a). This ordinance was challenged and ultimately repealed by the Board of Supervisors in 2014 after being found preempted by state law. State law at Penal Code Section 30305 regulates ammunition possession but does not distinguish between ammunition types for lawful purchasers, and California's limited preemption framework was interpreted to prohibit the city from banning a category of ammunition that state law permits.
Proposition H (2005)
In 2005, San Francisco voters approved Proposition H, which would have banned handgun possession and the sale of all firearms and ammunition within city limits. The California Court of Appeal struck down the measure in Fiscal v. City and County of San Francisco (2008), holding that it was preempted by state firearms law. This case established important limits on local regulatory authority over firearms in California.
Current Enforcement Focus
San Francisco law enforcement currently prioritizes enforcement of safe storage requirements and compliance with state assault weapon and large-capacity magazine prohibitions. The city also participates in voluntary buyback programs and community violence intervention initiatives.