Bend City Council approves ordinance prohibiting firearms in city buildings

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend City Council on Wednesday night unanimously approved an ordinance that prohibits firearms inside city facilities, aligning with a recent state law meant to enhance safety in public buildings.

The newly adopted chapter of the Bend Municipal Code, Chapter 3.120, mirrors Oregon Senate Bill 243, the Community Safety Firearms Act, which allows local governments to extend restrictions on firearms — including those carried by licensed concealed carriers — in buildings used for official meetings.

Mayor Melanie Kebler said the new ordinance reflects the city’s goal of creating a safe and welcoming environment.

“It’s just a recognition that we want these places to be open to the public. And really, safe, welcoming places for people to come in and see their government work and attend our meetings and feel safe,” Kebler said.

The ordinance prohibits both loaded and unloaded firearms inside city-owned buildings designated for public meetings. It builds on Oregon law, which already bans firearms in most public buildings but previously allowed exemptions for concealed handgun license holders.

According to city staff, the facilities expected to fall under the new policy include Bend City Hall, the Municipal Court building and the Public Works Campus at Juniper Ridge.

In an email to KTVZ News, Bend Police Department Communications Manager Sheila Miller said, the department does not hold a position on the policy. “I don’t know that it would be appropriate for the PD to have a stance on a city policy,” Miller said.

With the ordinance now in effect, city staff will develop an administrative policy to identify which facilities are covered, post signs at those locations and update information on the city’s website.

City officials said there are no financial impacts associated with the new ordinance, which they said is designed to promote community safety and public accessibility.