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We the citizens of Orange County adopt this resolution to address the Discharge of Firearms <br /> During Non-Hunting Activities: <br /> AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS DURING NON-HUNTING <br /> ACTIVITIES IN ORANGE COUNTY <br /> WHEREAS, state law prohibits criminally negligent hunting pursuant to North Carolina General <br /> Statute 113-290;and <br /> WHEREAS, citizens of Orange County have reported to the Board of Commissioners that there is <br /> also a need to regulate the negligent discharge of firearms in Orange County during non-hunting <br /> activities as well; and <br /> WHEREAS, N.C.G.S. 153A-129 authorizes the County to "regulate, restrict, or prohibit the <br /> discharge of firearms at any time or any place except when used to take birds or animals pursuant <br /> to Chapter 113, Subchapter III, when used in defense of person or property, or when used <br /> pursuant to lawful directions of law enforcement officers,"and; <br /> WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners believes it to be in the best interest of <br /> the citizens of Orange County that limitations on the discharge of firearms are necessary for the <br /> safety and protection of the citizenry, and for the protection of the use of their property without fear <br /> of stray bullets crossing over their property; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Orange County Board of Commissioners as follows: <br /> Section 1. Authority <br /> This part is enacted pursuant to the authority of N.C.G.S. 153A-129. This Part shall be interpreted <br /> in accordance with any sections of the North Carolina General Statutes which, by their terms, limit <br /> the authority of the County to regulate the discharge of firearms. <br /> Section 2. Firearm <br /> Firearm as defined herein shall mean any handgun, shotgun or rifle which expels a projectile by <br /> action of an explosion. <br /> Section 3. Restrictions <br /> (a) It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm: <br /> (1) Within five hundred(500) feet of a school, church, daycare, playgcound, park, <br /> recreation area, or other type of public gathering place; or — inc.(t.k_Ac cleAces-? <br /> (2) Carelessly or heedlessly in wanton disregard for the safety of others; or <br /> (3) Without due caution or circumspection and in a manner so as to endanger any person <br /> or property and resulting in the unlawful property damage or bodily injury of another. <br /> (b)It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm on the property of another without their <br /> permission. <br /> (c)It is unlawful to discharge a firearm in any manner which actually results in the projectile leaving <br /> the property on which it is fired. <br /> (d)This section shall not be construed as prohibiting discharge of a firearm when used: <br /> Orange County Recreational Gun Regulation Petition <br />