Agenda 09-10-19 Item 1 - Presentation Regarding the Potential Regulation of the Discharge of Firearms in Areas of the County with High Residential Unit Density

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2 grid square represents a 10 acre tract within which there are at least 10 residential units. The enclosed green areas on the map are areas in which there are clusters of at least four red grid squares within approximately one mile of each other. Regulated areas could be established through reference to existing roads in the area or GPS coordinates with enforcement focused on discharges occurring within a designated distance from a residential unit located within one of the regulated areas. As is apparent from the map, focusing only on dense areas would create small islands of enforcement and, at least at the density selected for the example, would result in enforcement areas only in the southern portion of the County. Durham County previously implemented an ordinance similar to this in which the ordinance only applied to the discharge of firearms within 600 feet of a residence within one of many high density areas. Durham also had a permit process for shooting ranges that existed in the regulated areas prior to the adoption of the ordinance (Attachment C). According to the Durham County Attorney, enforcement proved exceptionally difficult, and in December 2018, Durham County amended its ordinance to remove the references to high density areas and now restricts firearms discharge throughout the county if it occurs within 900 feet of the property lines of properties containing houses, schools, and churches (Attachment D). The County Attorney consulted the Orange County Sheriff's Office on this issue and, as in prior discussions of this topic, the Sheriff's Office indicates enforcement would be difficult due to the nature of the regulated activities, that being generally short in duration and, unless visually observed by a deputy, difficult to precisely locate. Pursuant to North Carolina law, any regulation such as that discussed in this presentation would not apply to the discharge of firearms for lawful hunting activities, when occurring in the defense of person or property, or pursuant to the lawful directions of law enforcement officers. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this discussion. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated with this discussion. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with this discussion. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board receive the presentation from the County Attorney, discuss this issue and provide any direction to staff.