§ 24-2. Discharging firearms—Generally.

(a)

No person shall fire or discharge any gun, cannon, pistol or other firearm at any place within the city. A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(b)

This section shall not apply to any law-enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property or is otherwise specifically authorized by section 24-3 or by state law. This section shall also not apply to veterans' organizations, historical heritage organizations, honor guards and color guards discharging blank cartridges at funerals, burials, parades or other commemorative, celebratory or educational events, or during practice exercises prior to such events.

(c)

Pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113, this section shall not apply to any person discharging a firearm while killing a deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529, on land of at least five (5) acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

(Code 1971, § 11-42; Ord. No. 2016-1 , 8-9-2016)

Charter reference— Authority of city to prohibit discharge of firearms, Ch. 1, § 2(22).

Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865; discharging firearms in streets or other public places, §§ 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

(Code 1971, § 11-42; Ord. No. 2016-1 , 8-9-2016)

State law reference

Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865; discharging firearms in streets or other public places, §§ 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

Charter reference

Authority of city to prohibit discharge of firearms, Ch. 1, § 2(22).

Cross reference

Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.