Scotts Valley considers strong gun shop laws

Three days after a lone gunman killed 58 people and wounded more than 500 others in a Las Vegas massacre, the Scotts Valley City Council unanimously approved three new security ordinances to govern the city’s only gun store.
The new rules were in response to a study of gun dealers — two have recently gone out of business — composed by Scotts Valley Police Chief Steve Walpole that began about two years ago at the direction of the council. At the time the council placed a moratorium on new firearms dealers until the study was done.
“I know we can’t put the last few days behind us because they’re seared into our minds, and you can’t get rid of it,” Mayor Randy Johnson said of the Las Vegas shooting, before the vote. “We’re (council) looking for a middle ground that benefits the whole community in terms of safety.”
The moratorium expired in September and the new regulations were approved in case another gun dealer wants to open a store in the city limits.
The council had three options to consider:
• Maintain the existing ordinance that requires firearms dealers to install a burglar alarm and surveillance systems to deter theft.
• Require a police department safety inspection so they can recommend further safety measures.
• Allow the planning commission to grant or deny use permits, and impose reasonable conditions to comply with the city’s municipal code.
There are currently no outstanding gun store use-permit applications, according to the city.
Prior to voting on the three ordinances, 13 people spoke during the Oct. 4, hour-long public hearing. Testimony represented people who thought gun stores were already safe and sufficiently regulated by state and federal laws, as well as residents who saw the stores as potential safety hazards.
“Why are we considering adding even more red tape,” said one speaker. “We’re forcing people over the hill (to buy guns).”
But another resident disagreed.
“When our officers are afraid to even approach a vehicle for fear of being gunned down or executed times have changed,” he said.
“Writing a blank check on the retailers’ account is not a good way to do business. What public safety problem are you trying to solve by adding retail ordinances?” added another resident.
Vice Mayor Jim Reed said, despite the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment that guarantees the right to bear arms, Scotts Valley must keep a close watch on gun shops.
“These can be a magnet for crime,” he said. “It behooves us to make sure they are absolutely as safe as can be.”
Councilman Jack Dilles agreed that a cautious approach is warranted.
“There is a place for gun stores. It’s part of our culture; It’s part of our history,” he said. “At the same time, it’s appropriate to have some reasonable limits.”
In addition to approving the three ordinances, the council asked Walpole to come back in about 60 days with language that mandates that all firearms in gun stores be locked at night in secure places to prevent theft if a burglary occurs.