Mooresville board approves first reading of ordinance updating firearms, public-safety and related provisions

The Mooresville Board of Commissioners on June 16 approved the first reading of an ordinance that revises chapters 12.5, 15 and 17 of the town code to update rules on discharge of weapons, weapons on town property, fireworks, alarm enforcement and other public-safety provisions.

Colleen Schecter, town staff attorney, presented the proposed changes and said tonight's vote was the first reading; a second reading at the July meeting will be required before the ordinance becomes effective because some revisions carry criminal penalties.

Schecter summarized key changes: clarifying that municipalities in North Carolina have powers granted by the legislature; adding exceptions for discharge of firearms by law enforcement and when justified for defense of person or property consistent with state statute; authorizing town manager discretion for certain licensed shooting gallery activities; adding an exception for ceremonial gun salutes at funerals of service members (with no live ammunition); proposing to allow concealed carry in town parking lots in the draft language; proposing a ban on fireworks on town property with permit exceptions for permitted special events and filming; and repealing a false-alarm fine provision to ensure the police department will continue to respond to alarms. She said discharge of bows/arrows remains generally prohibited with limited private-property hunting exceptions and statutory distance limits.

Commissioner Carey moved to approve the first reading of the ordinance; Commissioner Qualls seconded and the motion passed. A second reading and adoption are scheduled for July.