Changes proposed for Phenix City ordinance on discharging firearms
Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe said a complaint from hunters led council to consider revising the ordinance about discharging firearms within city limits.
Upon addressing the complaint, it was discovered that the current ordinance on discharging firearms within city limits was established in 1926. Phenix City Police Chief Ray Smith said its open to legal interpretation and out of compliance with Alabama Act 2013-283.
Alabama Act 2013-283, which addresses how and when residents can carry a gun, allows municipalities to regulate the discharge of weapons within its own city limits but requires municipalities to make an exception when it came to defending “one’s self or family in defense of one’s property.”
This council unanimously decided to give the instruction to look at this ordinance that is basically outdated and is not in compliance with the Alabama Act 2013-283. We’re looking at that to be in compliance, but the number one issue is public safety.
Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe
The current ordinance doesn’t include that exception, but council unanimously decided on April 19 to approve a first reading of an amendment that will make revisions to the current ordinance.
“We’re looking at that to be in compliance, but the No. 1 issue is public safety,” the mayor said.
Lowe said the proposal will include a self-defense exception and permit gunfire in areas where it is safe to hunt, which is considered tracts of land of at least 20 acres no closer than 1,000 feet from any residential area. It will also allow business-only indoor ranges that are permitted and zoned with proper regulation, inspection and operation.
The proposed change doesn’t apply to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or peace officers while engaged in official duties or persons exercising the right of self-defense or defense of others.
Lowe said the revisions are not meant to infringe on anyone’s right to bear arms.
“We’re not trying to make it hard for people who like to hunt,” he said. “What we’re doing is enforcing it to make sure people are safe and feel safe but also come up with some caveats where we can at least have some situations where people who like to hunt can hunt.”
Council will vote on the proposal at its May 3 meeting.
Sarah Robinson: 706-571-8622, @sarahR_92
This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 6:51 PM with the headline "Changes proposed for Phenix City ordinance on discharging firearms."