Firing a gun inside Providence Village would become a misdemeanor under an ordinance the Town Council takes up Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 1755 Main St.
The proposed weapons article would make it an offense to shoot a firearm of any kind, including blanks, anywhere in town limits, and would extend the ban to air guns, BB guns, pellet guns and paintball guns. Exceptions are carved out for self-defense and several other uses. Town staff recommend approval.
Council members listed a firearms ordinance among topics for future meetings when they met Sept. 15, according to draft minutes in the packet.
What staff say it is for
The staff report says reports of gunfire can tie up multiple officers, who have to find where shots came from, check for injuries or damage, interview witnesses and decide whether the shooting was legal. Clear written rules would give officers "an objective framework" for those calls and let residents know what is prohibited and what is allowed, the report says.
It adds that the ordinance does not change the need to respond to every report of shots fired.
Tuesday's agenda also includes monthly reports from the City of Aubrey's police and fire departments.
The exceptions
The ban would not apply to:
- military personnel and peace officers on duty
- blank cartridges used in shows, as signals or at sporting and ceremonial events
- BB and pellet guns on private property with a backstop that keeps shots from landing on a neighbor's land
- shotguns used for hunting on a tract of at least 5 acres, with written permission from every owner whose land shot could reach and with No. 6 shot or smaller
- hunting in a public area the town or another government designates and marks for it
- a private shotgun range already operating when the rule takes effect
- defending oneself, or defending pets or farm animals from other animals
- licensed sport shooting ranges and commercial air gun venues
Penalties
A first conviction would carry a fine of up to $250, plus court costs. A second violation within a year of a prior conviction would bring a fine of at least $500. The draft says it is meant to be enforced in line with state and federal law and does not bar conduct those laws protect.
Also Tuesday
The council will also consider adding flood damage prevention rules to the town's building code, a change letting the town manager approve certain plats, and an annexation petition for about 6.4 acres at 1979 FM 2931.
Sources
providencevillagetx.api.civicclerk.com
providencevillagetx.api.civicclerk.com
