Chowchilla council adopts fee schedule to start city-issued concealed-carry permits

The Chowchilla City Council adopted a resolution approving fee changes to implement a city-run concealed-carry weapon (CCW) permitting program, City staff told the council during a public hearing.

Mrs. Williams, a city staff member presenting the item, said the city will process CCW applications, conduct background checks and issue permits under state law and that fees are necessary to cover administrative costs. “To support the administration of this service, the establishment of appropriate fees is necessary to cover the costs associated with this program,” Williams said.

During council discussion, Chief of Police Gary Palmer confirmed the police chief will have authority to issue CCW permits within Chowchilla, and the permit issued by the city will be valid statewide. Councilmember Trost asked how renewals would be handled for people who currently hold county-issued permits; Chief Palmer said the city will treat county-issued permits as renewals and apply the city renewal fee, while noting Department of Justice renewal fees still apply.

Councilmember Trost and others raised no further objections. Councilmember (roll-call) votes were recorded as: Mister Berrigan — yes; Mister Ahmed — yes; Mister Chavez — yes; Mister Trost — yes; Mister Smith — yes. The motion passed by roll call.

The resolution instructs staff to move forward with implementation and fee collection; staff did not provide a timetable for when the city will begin accepting applications at the meeting.