The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court will soon rule on whether Lower Merion can regulate where guns are sold, writes Katie Bernard for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The decision could impact local government authority across the state.

While state law prohibits municipalities from regulating firearms, Lower Merion officials argue zoning laws pertain to land use, not gun control. If the township wins, other communities may follow suit.

The dispute began in 2023 when Shot Tec, a gun training and sales facility, faced community backlash in Bala Cynwyd. A petition with 3,000 signatures urged officials to take action. In response, the township passed zoning laws restricting firearm retailers to specific areas and requiring security measures.

Shot Tec owner Grant Schmidt sued, claiming the ordinance effectively banned gun sales. A Montgomery County judge struck down some security provisions but upheld zoning restrictions. Schmidt ultimately relocated and temporarily paused gun sales while seeking zoning approval.

Now, the Commonwealth Court must decide whether Lower Merion’s zoning laws are lawful. The township insists it regulates land use, not firearms, while Schmidt’s attorney argues any gun-specific restrictions violate state law. 

“This is not a gun-control law,” said Lower Merion attorney Matthew Hovey. “This is simply about zoning and organizing the municipality.”

If upheld, the ruling could lead to similar zoning measures statewide.

Read more about the potential precedent-setting case in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on MONTCO Today in February 2025.