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Beaufort County council advances ordinance banning firearm discharge within 500 feet of structures on first reading
Summary
On first reading the council approved an ordinance to prohibit firearm discharge within 500 feet of residences, schools and parks in unincorporated Beaufort County, 7–4. Councilors debated enforcement challenges and refinements tying enforcement to negligence in state statute.
Beaufort County Council moved forward on a local ordinance that would ban the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of structures in unincorporated areas, approving the measure on first reading by roll call 7–4.
The ordinance, introduced as 2026/o6, would add section 54-8 to the county code to make it unlawful to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of residences, schools and public parks and would establish penalties for violations. County staff said the proposal originated from neighborhood complaints about recurring gunfire near homes and schools and that the measure is intended to improve public safety.
County legal staff…
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