Firearms Rule
Contact: Dewey Potter 206-684-7241 | dewey.potter@seattle.gov
About the Firearms Rule
What does the proposal say?
“The City, in its proprietary capacity as owner or manager of City facilities, does not permit the
possession of firearms, except by law enforcement officers and on-duty security officers, at
Parks Department facilities at which children and youth are likely to be present and at which
appropriate signage has been posted to communicate to the public that the possession of firearms
is not permitted as a condition of entry to or use of that particular facility.”
Why is Mayor Nickels making this proposal?
Nickels and Seattle Parks and Recreation take very seriously our responsibility for the safety and
well-being of Seattle’s children and youth. We have many practices and safeguards in place to
protect the children who use our facilities and parks, and this proposal is an extension of that
protection.
Parks have traditionally been a safe haven for our children, and we are continually looking for
ways to make sure they stay that way. Gun violence continues to be a major concern for more
than 70 percent of Americans, according to a national poll conducted in 2008. In Washington
state, almost half of firearm assaults result in a death. While Washington state law restricts the
possession of firearms in schools, courts, jails, and areas that serve alcohol, it does not protect
people in parks.
Who is affected by this proposal?
The proposal would apply to any individual carrying a firearm, including a person who has a
Concealed Pistol License. The only exceptions are firearms carried by law enforcement officers
and on-duty security officers.
Does state firearms law prohibit the adoption of stricter laws by cities?
State law does preempt most local criminal laws and ordinances regarding firearms. However,
state law does not prohibit a property owner from imposing conditions on the possession of
firearms on his or her property. The city believes that a municipal property owner may impose
limitations related to firearms as a condition of entry or use of particular facilities, particularly
those at which children and youth are likely to be present.
The premise underlying the proposal is that as the owner and operator of facilities where children
and youth are invited and welcome, Parks may, just like any other property owner, establish and
post reasonable conditions on entry or use of the facilities, including one prohibiting the
possession of firearms at those facilities.
Where would the proposal apply?
It would apply at facilities and sites where children and youth are likely to be present, and where
signage has been posted to communicate the policy to the public. Specifically, it would apply at
posted facilities such as:
- Playgrounds and children’s play areas
- Athletic fields and sports courts
- Swimming and wading pools
- Spray parks (water play areas)
- Teen life centers
- Community centers
- Environmental learning centers
- Small craft centers
- Performing arts centers
- Tennis centers
- Skateboard parks
- Golf courses
- Swim beaches
Another city policy already requires that leases, rental agreements, and park use permits for
events include a provision in which the party using park property agrees to not permit firearms
on the premises during the event.
How would Parks enforce it?
Unlike an ordinance or law, this proposal does not carry any criminal or civil penalties. The city
would train designated Parks staff who would be authorized to notify a person carrying a firearm
that there is a condition on entry or use of the facility that firearms are not permitted at that
facility, and that if he or she does not comply with the condition, Parks would withdraw
permission to remain on the premises.
If the person possessing a firearm refuses to remove it from the facility, the staff person would
notify Seattle Police and ask them to respond. If the person possessing the firearm refuses to
obey a police request to remove the firearm from the premises, that person is subject to arrest or
citation by police.
How did the City gather public comment on the proposal?
Parks welcomed comments on the proposal for a period of 14 days, as provided in Section
3.02.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
What if a member of the public sees someone with a gun at one of the posted places?
Notify a Parks staff member immediately or call 9-1-1.
When does the proposal take effect?
The Superintendent signed the rule on Wednesday, October 14. It applies to a particular facility
or park site only after the facility has been appropriately posted.
The Rule
» Firearms Rule 
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Updated
October 14, 2009
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