Anyone who wants to do any type of recreational shooting within the Byrnes Mill city limits must now have a permit for the activity.
Previously, the city ordinance, which was passed in 2006, allowed the shooting of firearms in agricultural-zoned areas for hunting and target practice, although firearms were not to be discharged within residential areas.
However, one of the top complaints Byrnes Mill officials receive from residents is about firearms being discharged in the city, even in agricultural zones, said Debbie LaVenture, the city clerk.
“It depends on the season, but we get (the complaint) throughout the year,” she said.
Police Chief Frank T. Selvaggio said the department receives about five to 10 complaints a month about guns being fired in the city.
The Byrnes Mill Board of Alderpersons voted 5-0 Nov. 4 to update the hunting and trapping section of the city’s code to require a permit to shoot a gun or to hunt in the city. Alderperson Mary Scheble was not at the meeting.
“It shall be unlawful for any person, within this city, to hunt, kill, or maim any wildlife or domesticated creature with dogs, firearms, projectile weapons, stones, or other kinds of missiles or weapons, or to trap same, without first receiving a permit from the city,” the revised ordinance says.
LaVenture said a $25 fee will be charged to apply for a permit in an agricultural zone, and the fee will not be returned if it is denied.
She said the Board of Alderpersons will have final approval over all permits, but Selvaggio and Planning and Zoning Commission members also will review permit applications.
LaVenture said permits will take a minimum of two months to process.
“What we are going to do is look at each individual request on a case-by-case basis,” she said. “The city has grown, and it is unsafe in most areas because of all the residential zoning.”
LaVenture said she believes residents will be happy with the change.
“It’s been an issue,” she said. “Most of the feedback we get they feel it should not be allowed.”
LaVenture said the city has been working on the change for at least a year.
“We started discussing it last hunting season and COVID hit and everything and got put on hold,” she said.
Selvaggio said anyone discharging a firearm for recreational use in the city without a permit could be charged with a misdemeanor, which could carry a penalty up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
The Nov. 4 board agenda was amended at the start of the meeting to allow the vote on the change to the ordinance.
Other changes could follow, LaVenture said. “I have a feeling we will do amendments to this ordinance; we just wanted to get something on the books since hunting season is coming up,” she said.