We Are Portland

City Council Considered Concealed Carry Building Ban

The proposed ordinance would restrict concealed firearms in three city-managed buildings starting in 2025.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in City Hall

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The Portland City Council is deliberating a new ordinance that would prohibit the concealed carry of firearms within designated city-managed buildings starting in 2025. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local governments be allowed to ban concealed firearms in city-owned public buildings?

Portlanders attending official government meetings in city-owned spaces may soon face new restrictions on concealed firearms. The City Council has moved to consider an ordinance that would prohibit concealed carry in designated city buildings.

Why it matters

The measure aims to increase safety for city employees, officials, and the public in shared meeting spaces following recent changes to state law. Whether these restrictions sufficiently balance public safety and individual rights remains a central point of local discussion.

The ordinance applies to 3 city-managed buildings, a limitation made possible by 2025 state law changes. The list of affected properties remains pending and will be identified by the City Administrator.

The players

Portland City Council

The local governing body responsible for legislative decisions in the city.

City Administrator

The city official tasked with identifying restricted building locations and publishing the list online.

The details

The proposal removes a long-standing state-law exception that allowed concealed carry in public buildings. If adopted, the city will require signage at entrances to notify the public of the new rule. Enforcement protocols prioritize notice and opportunity to comply, ensuring that police referral only occurs as a final measure after other options are exhausted.

Timeline

  1. 2025: Oregon law allowed local governments to restrict concealed handgun exceptions.

  2. October 5, 2026: Portland City Council considered the proposed ordinance.

Beyond the Bridges

This proposal utilizes expanded local authority granted by the 2025 Oregon state law restoration. It marks a shift from the previous state-wide standard that limited municipal control over carry policies in public facilities.

Residents attending public meetings should watch for new signage at city-owned buildings indicating where concealed carry is prohibited. The City Administrator will maintain an online list to help you check which facilities are included under the new policy.

The takeaway

The City Council is working to finalize the enforcement process for these new firearm restrictions in government spaces. Keep an eye on the city's website for the eventual publication of the restricted building list to stay informed before your next visit to a public meeting.

Further reading

For more updates on legislative changes at the local level, visit City Hall.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KPTV.

Live Poll

Should local governments be allowed to ban concealed firearms in city-owned public buildings?