Parker council approves ordinance allowing firearms in certain town buildings under state opt-out

The Parker Town Council voted 6-0 to adopt ordinance No. 5.06.47 on second reading, permitting people and town employees to carry firearms in certain town buildings and Old Town Hall under an opt-out provision in state law.

Town staff summarized the legal limits and scope of the ordinance at the meeting. “This ordinance fully complies with the different sections of that statute and would, again, allow the maximum ability for people to carry both citizens and employees,” said Miss Grammer, a staff member who presented the ordinance. The ordinance amends section 8.09.020 of the Parker Municipal Code to implement the town’s use of the opt-out allowed in the state law.

The ordinance does not change state law bans that have no local opt-out, including restrictions for day‑care facilities, polling locations and ballot drop boxes. Miss Grammer told council that the field house daycare would remain a no‑carry space except for law enforcement and other statutorily excepted persons. Council members sought and received that clarification during deliberations.

Council discussion framed the ordinance as balancing public safety and Second Amendment rights. “This building is for the citizens. It’s the citizens building. So being able to give that back to them … this is your right to do what you need to do here,” Council member Wilkes said. Other council members expressed support for the ordinance as aligning with state law while preserving local options where permitted.

No members of the public spoke on the ordinance during the meeting. Council member Hendricks moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; Council member Wilkes seconded. The motion passed unanimously (6-0).