Hey folks, as we all know it's that time again - the Board is considering changing firearm discharge ordinances because of the noise of shooting, even though it is by and large done safely and within the confines of local ordinances. Ordinances here for your convenience: https://library.municode.com/nc/orange_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIGEOR_CH24OFMIPR_S24-3REDIFI

Orange County noise ordinances also specifically carve out an exception for legal shooting: https://library.municode.com/nc/orange_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIGEOR_CH16EN_ARTIIINO

Even though it would not change anything, given that the operation of a private range that is in compliance with current law is protected by the Sport Shooting Range Protection Act of 1997 (https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_14/Article_53C.html), it is being discussed to require permits to operate a range, large offsets from property lines, and even bans on discharging "certain types" of firearms. Per the Sport Shooting Range Protection Act, it would be illegal to retrospectively apply any new ordinance to an existing range, but that is exactly what was discussed at the work session.



Frankly - enough of this! If you're in compliance with current law that means you're shooting safely. Anything being done unsafely ought to be pursued under the current ordinances and leave the law-abiding alone. It's time to stand, tell the Board that this is enough!