A. Definitions:
FIREARM: Any weapon, device or instrument from which a shot, shell, pellet, BB, bullet or other projectile may be discharged by or through the force of exploding gunpowder, combustion, gas and/or other explosive material.
WEAPON: 1. Any instrument used in the propulsion or discharge of any projectile capable of causing bodily injury by or through the release of a pressurized gas, compressed air, expanding gas, accelerant, spring, or other force-producing means including, but not limited to, a blow gun, air rifle, spring gun, wrist rocket, slingshot, BB gun, pellet gun, paintball gun, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four (4) ounces, bow, compound bow, crossbow, recurve bow, and sling; or
2. Any instrument designed to or capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury when discharged, propelled, or thrown, including, but not limited to, a grenade, bomb, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one- fourth (1/4) ounce, spear, hatchet, ax, knife, sling, throwing star, or sword.
3. Weapon shall not include a starter pistol or similar instrument designed and operated as a noisemaker if, upon firing, no projectile is propelled or discharged; a toy such as a water gun, cap gun, squirt gun; or a toy that propels or discharges a projectile unlikely to cause bodily harm or commonly used tools or equipment used in the construction trades.
B. Discharge Of Weapons Prohibited:
1. It shall be unlawful to discharge any firearms or weapons within the City limits.
2. It shall also be unlawful to discharge any guns known as a BB or pellet gun, which guns propel a projectile by use of compressed air or carbon dioxide. The discharge of any bow and arrow, other than a toy, is similarly unlawful.
C. Exceptions:
1. Permits: The Mayor and City Council may at any time, upon receipt of proper application, grant special permits to shooting galleries, gun clubs and others for shooting in fixed localities and under specified rules. Such permits shall be in writing attested by the City Clerk conforming to such requirements as the Mayor and City Council shall demand, and the permit thus issued shall be subject to revocation at any time by action of the Mayor and City Council.
2. Limited Use Permit: A permit may be issued by the Chief of Police for the limited use of a spring or air powered BB or pellet gun, wrist rocket, or slingshot as a means of pest control. The application for the permit will be available at the Police Department. The application shall include the description of the weapon to be used, the days that the applicant plans to use the weapon, and a description of the situation that requires the use of said weapon for pest control. The amount of days allowed for limited use shall not exceed three (3) consecutive calendar days, and no more than nine (9) days total in a calendar year. BB and pellet guns shall not discharge a BB or pellet larger than .177 caliber. Wrist rockets and slingshots shall not be used with projectiles exceeding .38 caliber.
3. Discharge By Certain Authorities: The discharge of a firearm or weapon by law enforcement officers, military personnel or militia in the discharge of their duties or in the authorized performance of ceremonials.
4. Lawful Defense: Where a person exhibiting, drawing, pointing, directing, or discharging a firearm or weapon did so in the lawful defense of person, persons, property, dwelling, or residence. (Ord. 2018-593, 2-15-2018)