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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 16, 2016 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 7-a <br /> SUBJECT: Amendment to the Orange County Code of Ordinances — Regulating the <br /> Discharge of Firearms <br /> DEPARTMENT: County Attorney PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) N <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1. Draft Ordinance John Roberts, (919) 245-2318 <br /> 2. Adoption Resolution <br /> 3. Email from the Sheriff's Legal Advisor <br /> PURPOSE: To consider the adoption of rules regulating the discharge of firearms in Orange <br /> County. <br /> BACKGROUND: This item was presented in similar form at the January 21, 2016 meeting by <br /> Orange County Planning Staff as an amendment to the Orange County Code of Technical <br /> Ordinances ("UDO") recommended by the Planning Board. <br /> The proposed amendments establish new regulations governing the discharge of firearms on private <br /> property. At the January 21, 2016 meeting the Board of County Commissioners determined the <br /> regulation of the discharge of firearms was more appropriately regulated through Orange County's <br /> police power and its General Ordinances rather than through the UDO. The Board of County <br /> Commissioners, after receiving the Planning Board's recommendation and discussing the item, <br /> instructed the County Attorney to bring the Planning Board's recommended language back for <br /> consideration at the February 16, 2016 regular meeting. <br /> Among other things the recommended ordinance restricts the discharge of firearms to 10:00 a.m. to <br /> 6:00 p.m. daily, prohibits the discharge of firearms within designated distances of property lines and <br /> dwelling structures, requires discharged projectiles to remain on the property upon which they are <br /> discharged, and requires most firearms discharges to be directed into a projectile-proof backstop. <br /> The ordinance will not impact or regulate hunting activities. <br /> For additional information refer to the January 21, 2016 agenda item at <br /> http://server3.co.orange.nc.us:8088/weblink8/0/doc/40308/Page 1.aspx. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: Indirect costs associated with ordinance enforcement. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Social Justice Goal impact associated with this item. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: <br /> 1. Deliberate as necessary on the proposed amendments; and <br />