Chapter 9.44 — WEAPONS

State Law reference— Authority of Board of Supervisors to prohibit and prevent unnecessary firing and discharge of firearms in public places, Government Code § 25840.

The provisions of this chapter are enacted pursuant to Government Code § 25840 for the purpose of regulating the use of firearms in certain areas where their use would be extremely dangerous to persons or property.

(Prior Code, § 7401; Code 1997, § 9.44.010)

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the use of a firearm by a peace officer acting in the performance of his or her duties as a peace officer or to a private citizen acting in the defense of persons or property, or in any shooting range for which an unrevoked written permit has been granted therefor by the Board of Supervisors when the shooting is done in accordance with the rules established by the owner for the use of the range.

(Prior Code, § 7402; Code 1997, § 9.44.020)

It is unlawful for any person to enter upon any privately owned land with a firearm or other hunting weapon in his or her possession without the written consent of the owner of the land in his or her possession.

(Prior Code, § 7404; Code 1997, § 9.44.030)

It is unlawful for any person to shoot, discharge or fire any bullet, arrow or other projectile into, across or above any privately owned land without the written consent of the owner of the land in his or her possession.

(Prior Code, § 7405; Code 1997, § 9.44.040)

It is unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm into or within the area within 500 feet of any public airport in the County except within a law enforcement pistol or rifle range approved by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

(Prior Code, § 7406; Code 1997, § 9.44.050)

It is unlawful for any person to fire, discharge or shoot any firearm excepting:

A.

A shotgun in which the maximum dimension of any slug used is less than one-half the diameter of the bore;

B.

Within a pistol or rifle range approved by resolution of the Board of Supervisors; or

C.

For the defense of persons or property; into or within any part of the Lake Valley firearm control area in Lake Valley in the County, as bounded and described by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

(Prior Code, § 7407; Code 1997, § 9.44.060; Ord. No. 3165, § 3.2, 1981)

Every person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished according to the general penalties described in Chapter 1.24.

(Prior Code, § 7403; Code 1997, § 9.44.070)