Colorado historically had a state preemption statute (C.R.S. § 29-11.7-103) that generally prohibited local governments from enacting firearms...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Colorado historically had a state preemption statute (C.R.S. § 29-11.7-103) that generally prohibited local governments from enacting firearms regulations that were inconsistent with or more restrictive than state law. This preemption framework was significantly altered in 2021.
On June 19, 2021, Governor Jared Polis signed SB21-256 into law, fundamentally changing Colorado's preemption landscape for firearms regulation.
Declares that the regulation of firearms is a matter of both state and local concern, effectively removing the prior blanket state preemption.
Permits local governments to enact ordinances, regulations, or other laws governing or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory.
Floor, not ceiling: Local ordinances, regulations, or laws may not be less restrictive than state law - meaning local governments can impose stricter regulations but cannot loosen state-level requirements.
Criminal penalty limitations: A local law may only impose a criminal penalty for a violation upon a person who knew or reasonably should have known that the person's conduct was prohibited.
Local governments (including special districts) and governing boards of institutions of higher education are permitted to enact ordinances, resolutions, rules, or other regulations that prohibit a concealed handgun permit holder from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction.
For special districts, the prohibition applies to buildings or specific areas under the direct control or management of the district.
Violations of local concealed carry restrictions may only result in a civil penalty (not criminal).
The maximum fine for a first offense is $50.
As a result of SB21-256, concealed carry permit holders in Colorado must be aware that:
Firearms regulations may vary by locality. Different cities, counties, and special districts may have enacted their own firearms ordinances that are more restrictive than state law.
Local governments can designate specific buildings and areas as off-limits for concealed carry, even for valid permit holders.
Institutions of higher education may independently restrict concealed carry on their campuses.
Several Colorado municipalities have enacted local firearms ordinances following the passage of SB21-256:
City of Boulder: Has enacted gun violence prevention ordinances, including an assault weapons ban and restrictions on concealed carry in certain city properties and areas.
City of Lafayette: The Lafayette City Council has approved firearm safety ordinances under the authority granted by SB21-256.
Other municipalities across Colorado have similarly adopted or considered local firearms regulations.
| Statute/Law | Description |
|---|---|
| SB21-256 (2021 Regular Session) | Permits local regulation of firearms; declares firearms regulation a matter of state and local concern |
| C.R.S. § 29-11.7-103 | Prior state preemption statute (modified by SB21-256) |
| C.R.S. § 18-12-105.6 | Concealed handgun permit provisions |
This page covers one part of our Colorado concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Colorado guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.