No More Gun Shops In Joliet

JOLIET, IL — In April, Casper Gun Shooting Inc. opened in the 300 block of Ruby Street. On Tuesday, following a recommendation from Joliet city manager David Hales, the Joliet City Council voted unanimously to issue a moratorium, making it the last gun shop to open in town at least in the near future.

The moratorium prevents anyone from opening a new gun stores around the city of Joliet during the next six months. The moratorium will last for 180 days from the date the ordinance was passed, which was June 19.

The resolution states that "any application for the issuance of a weapon dealers license which is filed during the moratorium shall be subject to any new ordinances and regulations that may be approved by the Mayor and City Council during or after the moratorium."

According to the council memo, Joliet's current ordinances did not list gun shops, weapons dealers, firearms dealers or gunsmiths as a permitted or special use in any part of the city's zoning codes.

"Previously, gun shops, weapons dealer, firearms dealer and gunsmiths have been allowed without restriction in business-3 zoning districts," the memo reads. "The Land Use/Legislative Committee will provide comments and ultimately recommend restrictions/regulations on gun shops, weapons dealers, firearms dealers and gunsmiths which will then appear on the Plan Commission agenda and subsequently a City Council agenda, but this will take time to implement."

At the moment, there are only a few licensed gun shops in Joliet. However, the opening of the new store on Ruby Street sparked concern around the immediate neighborhood, prompting the city to revisit its current rules on the books related to gun shops.

Image of new gun shop business on Ruby Street via Google Maps