(1) Legislative Findings.

(a) Existing legislation does not establish adequate safeguards and security measures with respect to the storage of firearms, and thus many dealers store firearms in inadequately secured and in unprotected places.

(b) The lack of adequate security measures for the storage of firearms has resulted in easy accessibility to and theft of firearms which are subsequently used in the commission of crimes and represents a hazard to the health, welfare and safety of the community.

(c) Adequate requirements for the safe and proper storage of firearms would decrease both the incidence of unlawful entry for the purpose of stealing such firearms and the subsequent commission of other crimes wherein such firearms are used.

(2) Definitions.

(a) Firearms means any rifle, revolver, pistol or shotgun capable of propelling a projectile by means of an explosive material or charge.

(b) Dealer means any individual, firm, association, partnership or corporation engaged in the business of selling firearms, purchasing firearms for resale, or conducting a gunsmith or firearms repair business. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing a penalty, the term "dealer" as applied to any partnership or association shall mean the partners or members thereof, and as applied to any corporation, shall include the officers thereof.[547]

(3) Security Measures.[548]

(a) During the hours they are not regularly open for business, dealers shall store all firearms in accordance with the following requirements.

(.1) no firearms shall be displayed in windows.

(.2) all firearms must be placed in an approved safe, vault or properly secured storeroom.[549]

(b) Before promulgating any regulations designed to carry out the intent and purpose of this Chapter, the Department shall consult with the Police Department.

(4) Safes. Any dealer may comply with the requirements of this section by providing an approved steel safe wherein any firearms may be stored and locked during non-business hours.

(5) Permits. No dealer shall receive a permit to store firearms unless he:

(a) Complies with the provisions of this Section, and regulations issued pursuant thereto;

(b) Pays an annual fee of $35.[550]

(6) Notice of Violation.

(a) Any dealer who violates the provisions of this Chapter shall be advised in writing by the Department of Licenses and Inspections of the nature of the violation, and shall be required to comply with the provisions of this Chapter within the period indicated in such notice, provided that in no case shall the time permitted for such compliance exceed 60 days.

(b) Each day that any dealer fails to comply with the requirements of this Chapter, or to make the changes indicated in any notice of violation, after the period allowed for such compliance has expired, shall constitute a separate violation of this ordinance.