Updated: 6/2/25 at 21:34 MT
Can You Legally Conceal Carry in Boulder, Colorado?
The City of Boulder has enacted multiple ordinances aimed at restricting both open and concealed carry of firearms. While Boulder now has the authority under state law to pass stricter local gun laws, many of these restrictions likely violate the Second Amendment and go too far under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision.
If you hold a valid Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), here’s what you need to know.
🔹 Colorado Law: No More Statewide Preemption
Prior to 2021, Colorado had a strong firearms preemption law that prohibited local governments from creating their own firearm ordinances. That changed with Senate Bill 21-256, which repealed preemption and gave counties and municipalities the ability to enact stricter local firearm laws.
Boulder has since used that authority to pass multiple ordinances that restrict where and how firearms can be carried.
However, even with preemption repealed, local laws must still comply with the U.S. Constitution—specifically the Second Amendment.
📜 Boulder’s Firearm Ordinances
1. Section 5-8-9 – Attempted Ban on Concealed Carry
“No person shall have a knife or firearm concealed on or about such person’s body.”
This language appears to criminalize concealed carry entirely, regardless of whether a person has a permit. While Boulder can regulate firearms, banning all concealed carry—even for permit holders—directly conflicts with Supreme Court precedent and is unlikely to survive legal challenge.
2. Section 5-8-15 – Firearms Prohibited in “Sensitive Areas”
This ordinance bans both open and concealed carry in a wide variety of locations, including:
- City-owned buildings and property
- Parks, playgrounds, and open space
- Community centers and recreation facilities
- Public demonstrations
- Bars, grocery stores, theaters
- Churches and other houses of worship
- Polling places
- Hospitals and mental health centers
- Stadiums, daycares, courthouses, banks
These are labeled as “sensitive places,” and the city requires signage to be posted at each location.
While NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022) upheld the concept of sensitive places, it limited them to locations with a well-established historical tradition of firearm restrictions—such as courthouses, polling places, and schools. Many of Boulder’s listed areas, such as grocery stores and parks, do not have historical precedent and are vulnerable to legal challenge.
3. Section 5-8-21 – Ban on Open Carry
This ordinance prohibits open carry of firearms in public places, with exceptions for:
- Law enforcement and military
- Private property and vehicles
- Lawful hunting and target shooting
- Licensed concealed handgun permit holders
- Private security
- Firearms in locked, opaque containers
This is more narrowly written and is more likely to withstand legal scrutiny, though it still raises constitutional questions in some contexts.
⚖️ What Bruen Really Says
In NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022), the U.S. Supreme Court held:
“The government may not simply declare public areas to be ‘sensitive’ without historical precedent for restricting firearms in those locations.”
The ruling protects the right of law-abiding citizens to carry firearms for self-defense in public, and any restrictions must be narrow, justified, and rooted in historical tradition.
✅ What Concealed Carriers Should Know
If you are a valid CHP holder in Colorado:
- You are authorized under state law to carry concealed.
- Boulder can regulate firearms locally, but its most extreme restrictions are likely unconstitutional.
- Law enforcement is unlikely to arrest a legal CHP holder unless there’s a clear violation of state or federal law.
- If confronted, remain calm, politely present your permit, and do not consent to searches or voluntary disarmament without cause.
🚨 Final Thoughts
While Boulder now has the authority to regulate firearms locally, many of its restrictions likely go beyond what the Constitution allows—especially blanket bans and overly broad definitions of “sensitive places.”
✅ CHP holders should continue to exercise their rights responsibly while staying informed and prepared for potential legal challenges.
🔗 Related Resources
Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans
Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Guide
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, laws and regulations may change, and interpretations may vary. You should consult with an attorney or legal professional to obtain advice specific to your situation. The author and website assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or for actions taken based on the information provided. Carrying a concealed firearm may have serious legal consequences, and it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.