Tag: permit

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Where You Cannot Conceal Carry a Firearm in Colorado

Mark Schneider

While Colorado generally allows concealed carry for individuals with a valid permit, there are numerous locations where concealed firearms are strictly prohibited by law. Understanding where you cannot conceal carry is crucial to avoid legal complications. Below is a comprehensive guide to locations in Colorado where carrying a concealed firearm is not allowed:

1. Airport Secure Areas

It is illegal to carry a concealed firearm in secure areas of airports. Additionally, firearms are not allowed in carry-on luggage and must be properly checked in and stored if you are traveling with them.

2. Public (City/County/State) Buildings

Any public building that screens for weapons and has a metal detector prohibits concealed carry. This includes courthouses, government offices, and other municipal facilities. Notably, the City and County of Denver has more restrictive rules, prohibiting concealed carry in any building owned or leased by the city, regardless of whether metal detectors are present.

3. Federal Buildings and Areas

Federal law prohibits carrying concealed firearms in federal buildings, such as courthouses, post offices, secure federal facilities, and certain monuments and memorials.

4. Public School Property

Concealed carry is generally not allowed on public K-12 school property, including elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools. An exception is made for firearms carried/stored in vehicles with valid CCW/CHP, as long as the firearm stays in the vehicle and not on the person when outside of the vehicle.

5. Private Property with Notices

Private property owners and businesses can prohibit concealed carry by providing notice, either through verbal communication, written postings, or signage. Common examples of such locations include:

  • Parks
  • Hospitals
  • Places of worship
  • Bars or restaurants serving alcohol
  • Sports arenas
  • Gambling facilities
  • Polling places during elections

6. State Colleges and Universities

While Colorado law generally allows concealed carry on public college campuses, some areas on campus are off-limits. For example, residence halls and certain event venues are prohibited areas for concealed carry. Many universities, such as the University of Colorado, restrict firearms in specific buildings or during particular events.

7. Polling Places

During federal elections, polling places are considered temporary federal buildings, meaning that firearms, including concealed carry, are prohibited.

8. Public Transportation Facilities

Colorado law prohibits carrying loaded firearms into public transportation facilities, whether on a bus, train, or station property.

9. Legislative Buildings

Concealed carry is prohibited in any building where the Colorado State General Assembly meets or where legislative hearings take place. This rule applies even if you possess a concealed handgun permit.

10. Special Event Areas

Certain areas or places that hold events, particularly large public gatherings, often prohibit concealed carry. Always check local ordinances and event rules before attending.

11. Polling Places and Election Locations

Colorado prohibits open and concealed carry in locations related to elections. This includes:

  • Polling locations
  • Areas where votes are being counted
  • Any building within 100 feet of a drop box or voting facility

Conclusion

While concealed carry laws in Colorado offer significant freedom for those with a permit, there are still many places where carrying a firearm is illegal. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both state and federal laws to ensure that you’re compliant, especially in areas like schools, government buildings, airports, and polling places.

Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding firearms and concealed carry vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a legal professional or local law enforcement for the most current and applicable laws in your area.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Is It Illegal to Conceal Carry in the City of Boulder?

Mark Schneider

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.

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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.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News

Colorado’s New CCW Instructor Verification Law Takes Effect: What You Need to Know

Mark Schneider

On August 7, 2024, a significant new law came into effect in Colorado that impacts both concealed carry weapons (CCW) instructors and those seeking to obtain a CCW permit. The new law, 18-12-202.7, mandates that all CCW instructors must be verified by the sheriff in the county where they conduct their firearms training. This move is designed to ensure that all instructors meet a standardized level of qualification and uphold high standards in firearms education.

What Does the New Law Entail?

Under this new regulation, each sheriff in Colorado is responsible for verifying firearms instructors within their jurisdiction. To become a verified instructor, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Hold a Valid CCW Permit: Instructors must possess a valid concealed handgun permit issued under Colorado law. Temporary emergency permits do not qualify.
  2. Certification as a Firearms Instructor: Instructors must be certified by a recognized entity, such as a law enforcement agency, college or university, nationally recognized firearms training organization, or a firearms training school.

Once verified, instructors will receive evidence of verification from the sheriff, which will be valid for ten years. Sheriffs are also required to maintain a public list of verified instructors, which will be accessible on their websites.

Implications for CCW Instructors

The verification process ensures that instructors are fully qualified and maintain high standards in their teaching. It also provides students with confidence that their training meets the necessary legal requirements.

What This Means for CCW Applicants

For those looking to obtain a CCW permit in Colorado, the process is about to become more rigorous. While currently, the requirement is simply to complete a class, starting July 1, 2025, the new requirements will include:

  • Mandatory 8-Hour Class: The class will cover a comprehensive curriculum, including legal responsibilities, safety, and practical firearm handling.
  • Test and Shooting Qualification: Applicants must pass a test at the end of the class and achieve a shooting qualification score of 70% or higher.
  • Range Time: Mandatory range time will be required, where applicants must shoot with the handgun they intend to carry.

These upcoming changes mean that it will become more challenging to obtain a CCW permit in Colorado. Therefore, it is highly recommended that anyone considering obtaining their permit do so now while the process is still relatively straightforward.

If you’re ready to get your CCW permit before these new requirements take effect, don’t wait—Contact us today for more information and to sign up for a class.

Getting your CCW permit now will allow you to avoid the upcoming mandatory 8-hour class, range time, and qualification test that will be required next year. Don’t miss this opportunity to complete the process under the current, simpler guidelines.

For more information on the new law and how it may impact both instructors and CCW applicants, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to help guide you through the process and ensure you’re fully prepared for the changes ahead.