Town of Los Gatos Issues Statement on New Gun Store

1. Planning Approval—Retail enterprises are allowed as a matter of legal right under existing zoning at that location, which is not in the central business district (i.e., downtown) nor a residentially zoned property. There are no existing requirements in the town code for a conditional-use permit or any other discretionary approval for this retailer at that location. Consequently, there is no existing authority by which town staff, the Planning Commission and/or the Town Council could deny the operation of this retailer at this location. Future retailers could possibly face additional restrictions or processing requirements if the Town Council so amends the town code, but those changes could not be applied retroactively to this existing establishment.

2. Business License—The commercial enterprise has applied and paid for, and received, the required business license for both 2012 and 2013. This is not a discretionary act and any business in Los Gatos is required to obtain a business license. The Finance Department, which administers the business license program, could not legally deny providing a business license to this establishment.

3. Police Approval—The Police Department has received all required federal permit applications and notices required for the sale of firearms at this location.  The Police Department has been and will be in regular contact with the business to ensure compliance with all federal and other firearm requirements and restrictions, including severe restrictions on the sale of certain types of firearms and the sale of any firearms to felons, juveniles and certain others, as well as required background checks and safe operations.

For further information, please contact the Chief of Police at (408) 354-6840 or Police@LosGatosCA.gov.

Greg Larson, town manager