Council adopts ordinance allowing limited discharge of BB guns and similar projectiles on private property

Tremonton's City Council on Monday voted to adopt ordinance 26-11, a code change that allows residents to discharge specified projectiles (for example BB guns, slingshots and airguns) on their private property under eight conditions, including homeowner responsibility for damage and a restriction that discharges not be audible beyond the property line. The motion was made by Councilman Lewis and seconded; council recorded approval after discussion.

Proponents said the ordinance restores an activity they consider reasonable on private land while keeping state and federal firearms law in force. "I think it's ridiculous that the parents can't buy their 8 year old a BB gun at Christmas," said the council member who sponsored the measure, arguing the rules let homeowners use their land responsibly. Staff clarified the ordinance does not authorize firearms contrary to state or federal law and that it targets devices such as BB guns, slingshots and airguns.

During public input, Lane Wilden — who identified himself and asked for copies of the draft — urged the council to clarify whether the ordinance covers public property and raised enforceability concerns about the provision that noise not be audible past property lines. "My reading was that the old ordinance covered city limits; this one appears to restrict private property only," Wilden said, asking whether parks and other public places remained prohibited. Council members and staff responded that the draft is intended to grant private-property rights only and that existing public-space restrictions remain in force.

Council members also discussed practical limits, for example apartment complexes where property owners would carry liability, and agreed language could be revisited if high-powered airguns or other unintended uses emerge. The ordinance was adopted; staff and councilors noted they can return to amend the code if enforcement issues surface.