(A) Discharge of firearms, generally. It shall be unlawful within the village for any person to discharge a BB gun, pellet gun, air rifle, bow, crossbow, slingshot, dart thrower, paint gun or toy gun which propels any kind of projectile upon being discharged.
(B) Non-application; exceptions.
(1) Non-application. This section shall not apply to the discharge of a projectile weapon at or in a private residence, either one’s own property, or the property of another, for which signed and dated written permission has been given to discharge a projectile weapon; provided that any projectile so discharged is contained on the property.
(2) Exceptions. This section shall not be construed as prohibiting discharge of a projectile weapon when used:
(a) In defense of person or property;
(b) To take birds or animals pursuant to G.S. Chapter 113, Subchapter IV, Game Laws;
(c) Pursuant to lawful directions of law enforcement officers;
(d) By persons lawfully engaged in pest control or the taking of dangerous animals;
(e) At shooting ranges or places of business as authorized and approved for such purposes pursuant to zoning permit of the Village of Clemmons Unified Development Ordinances;
(f) By members of the armed forces acting in the line of duty; or
(g) At historic ceremonial or commemoration functions held for such purpose provided in no event shall live ammunition be used or discharged.
(C) Possession of projectile weapons prohibited in certain places. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or carry, or to fire or discharge any projectile weapon on or in any building, park, recreation area or other property owned or operated by the village (whether within or outside the corporate limits), or on or in any public school building or grounds within the village or on or in any property within the village operated by or under the control of the Forsyth Municipal Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
(D) Possession by minors. It shall be unlawful for any minor person under 18 years of age, unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other adult person having custody of that child, to have any rifle or shotgun, or ammunition therefor, BB gun, pellet gun, air rifle, slingshot, or other projectile weapon in his or her possession at any place within the village, except on his or her own premises; or on any property owned or operated by the village outside of the corporate limits of the village. Any such projectile weapon in the possession of any person under 18 years of age who is not then accompanied by one of the persons named in this section and who is on premises other than his or her own shall be subject to seizure and confiscation by the law enforcement agencies.
(E) Exclusions.
(1) This section shall not apply to an officer lawfully discharging his or her duty, or to a watchman or other person specifically authorized to carry firearms on such premises while acting lawfully and within the scope of his or her authority; nor shall it prohibit the lawful possession or carrying of firearms on the public streets.
(2) None of the provisions of this section shall be construed so as to prohibit law enforcement officers from discharging firearms within the corporate limits of the village on any firing range maintained for the training of law enforcement officers when such firing is conducted for training purposes under the supervision and direction of an officer in charge of the training program.
(F) Criminal penalty. If any person shall violate this section, he or she shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500, subject to the provisions in G.S. § 14-4.
(Ord. 2005-05, passed 5-9-05; Am. Ord. 2022-03, passed 4-25-22)