Council gives first reading to ordinance banning hunting within Falls Church; public hearing set for Feb. 24

The Falls Church City Council voted 7‑0 on Feb. 10 to grant first reading to an ordinance — TO25‑01 — that would prohibit hunting inside the city’s 2.2 square miles and would delete a subsection referencing lawful hunting in the code’s concealed‑weapons section.

Maria Rojas, executive assistant to the city attorney, presented the ordinance and said it was developed with the police department after hunting instances were reported on private property. Rojas noted that Virginia law recognizes hunting rights and requires that an ordinance prohibiting hunting inside a municipality be posted with clearly identified boundaries; she cited Virginia Code 15.2‑1113.1, which governs local prohibitions and signage requirements. The ordinance language has been written to avoid regulating traps and to preserve the city’s ability to request wildlife management assistance from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for deer‑population issues, Rojas said.

Fiscal and timing details: staff said signage will be required under state code and that the cost is expected to be nominal; if first reading is adopted on Feb. 10 the public hearing and second reading are scheduled for Feb. 24, 2025. After adoption the ordinance must be submitted to the state for inclusion in the Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest before May 1, 2025, staff added.

Council action: a councilor moved to grant first reading to TO25‑01 and schedule a Feb. 24 public hearing; the motion was seconded by Councilor Connolly. The clerk called the roll; the council recorded seven yes votes and the motion carried 7‑0.

Ending: Staff will return for the Feb. 24 public hearing and second reading; councilors and staff noted the ordinance is intended to address safety concerns raised by stray projectiles in the city’s densely populated area while preserving the city’s legal ability to pursue wildlife management options where appropriate.