December 14, 2018

ADMINISTRATIVE RULE CONCERNING THE SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS

Re: Specifications for Storage Devices Approved of or Meetings Requirements for the Safe Storage of Firearms Under Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 10.79.

WHEREAS, Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 10.79 sets forth requirements for the safe storage of firearms in the City of Seattle; and

WHEREAS, SMC 10.79.010(D) directs the Chief of Police to establish by administrative rule specifications for storage devices approved as meeting the requirement of "locked container" as used in SMC Chapter 10.79; and

WHEREAS, the Seattle Police Department has researched standard industry specifications for the same, including standards adopted by the State of California, Department of Justice and the roster of firearm safety devices certified for sale in California (https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist/); the State of New York Codes, Rules and Regulations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and guidance from the State of Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division; and

NOW, therefore, for purposes of SMC Chapter 10.79, a "locked container" means

(1) A safe, gun safe, gun case, gun cabinet, or lock box that is

(a) designed to fully contain firearms and prevent removal of, and access to, the enclosed firearm;

(b) Is capable of repeated use;

(c) May be opened only by a numerical combination consisting of the entry of at least three variables entered in a specific sequence on a keypad, dial or tumbler device; key, magnetic key, or electronic key; or by biometric identification; and

(d) Be constructed with such quality of workmanship and material that it may not be easily pried open, removed, or otherwise defeated by the use of common tools.

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Carmen Best

Chief of Police