Seaside planning commission backs zoning rules, security standards for firearm and ammunition sales; recommends 300-foot buffer from sensitive uses

The Seaside Planning Commission voted June 25 to recommend that the City Council adopt a zoning ordinance amendment creating a regulated classification for the sale of firearms and ammunition and establishing location and operating standards for such businesses in most of the city.

Planning staff told commissioners the ordinance, drafted in two parts of the municipal code, would add more specific licensing and security requirements under Title 5 and would set where sales are allowed under Title 17. "On March 20, council directed staff to review appropriate locations for the sales of firearms and ammunition within the city of Seaside," Andrew, planning staff, said during a presentation.

Why it matters: the ordinance would leave the West Broadway Urban Village already restricted by a May 1 council resolution, and would limit sales elsewhere to a southwest quadrant of Seaside "west of Noche Buena and south of San Pablo," in the community commercial (CC), regional commercial (CRG) and heavy commercial (CH) zoning districts only, and only with a use permit. Staff recommended a 300-foot minimum distance from sensitive uses such as…