The District of Columbia Council has approved new firearms legislation that will allow residents to begin applying for handgun permits this week.

Tuesday's unanimous vote comes as officials try to comply with last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the city's 32-year-old ban on handguns.

The emergency legislation will allow handguns to be kept in the home if they are used only for self-defense and carry fewer than 12 rounds of ammunition. It will remain in effect for 90 days; the council expects to begin work in September on permanent legislation.

Though residents will be allowed to begin applying this week for handgun permits, city officials have said the entire process could take weeks or months.