Yucaipa City Council approves firearm storage fee ordinance amid rising demand

The City Council of Yucaipa convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including traffic regulations for commercial vehicles, firearm storage fees, and staffing vacancies within the city.

The meeting began with a discussion on the potential regulation of commercial vehicle traffic in certain areas of the city. Council members explored the feasibility of restricting access to electric trucks only during daylight hours. The City Attorney confirmed that such regulations could be legally implemented, emphasizing the need for further planning and infrastructure considerations. The council ultimately voted in favor of moving forward with staff's recommendation for option three, which allows for further development of this concept.

Following this, the council addressed the issue of firearm storage. A proposal was made to adopt a fee structure similar to that of the San Bernardino County, which charges $80 for the first firearm and $39 for each additional firearm stored. This change aims to manage the increasing demand for firearm storage services, as the Yucaipa Police Department has been receiving firearms from as far away as San Diego. The council unanimously approved the introduction of this ordinance.

The meeting also included a public hearing regarding Assembly Bill 2561, which mandates local governments to report on job vacancies and their impact on public service delivery. The city reported having eight vacancies, with four represented by the Yucaipa City Employees Association (YCEA). The council voted to close the public hearing and move forward with the necessary reporting.

In closing remarks, council members shared updates on recent conferences and community events, including a successful music and arts festival and an upcoming lecture series. The meeting concluded with no further announcements from the city manager.

Overall, the council's discussions reflected a commitment to addressing community needs while navigating the complexities of local governance. The next council meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2025, where further developments on these topics are expected.