It appears as though the first and last gun store is opening in Pacifica.

While it seems to have surprised a lot of people, including City Council members, that a retail gun store could be granted a business license in Pacifica without any discussion or debate, the reality appears to be that other than strict state and federal regulations governing the sale of firearms, there are no special rules in Pacifica.

Four council members listened to concerned residents Monday who complained about the lack of notification and control in Pacifica over a gun store that is slated to open in Eureka Square, called a "family-oriented" shopping center by many. Of particular concern to some of the speakers was the proximity of the new gun store to such businesses as Clay Creations and DNA Comics. (Councilmember Pete De Jarnatt was absent).

The item on Monday's agenda was scheduled as a discussion to give staff direction. No decisions or mandates were made. "As council is aware, the city's zoning ordinance currently makes no distinction between the retail sale of firearms and other kinds of retail sales," Planning Director Michael Crabtree explained. "To ensure that firearms sales are properly regulated and that there is opportunity for public input when such uses are proposed, staff proposes to amend the zoning ordinance to require a conditional use permit and specify other regulations, including location criteria, for such uses."