Goleta City Council considers new firearm retail regulations

The Goleta City Council is considering new regulations for firearm and ammunition retailers following the relocation of Goodland Guns to a site on Hollister Avenue. The new location shares a fence with the Here We Grow Early Learning Center and is situated near Ellwood Elementary School.

Currently, Goleta treats firearm sales as general retail, meaning there are no specific zoning requirements regarding the distance between gun stores and sensitive locations like schools or parks. In response to community concerns, the council is exploring several options, including amending zoning codes, implementing additional business license requirements, or establishing buffer zones around sensitive areas. Councilmembers have suggested exploring potential buffer distances of 600 or 1,000 feet.

The council has not yet taken formal action but indicated it may pursue a moratorium to temporarily halt new gun shop approvals. During recent meetings, community members expressed conflicting views; some urged emergency ordinances to protect schools, while others argued that new regulations could violate the Second Amendment. The owner of Goodland Guns has characterized the proposed restrictions as an attack on his business.