Chapter 9.24
FIREARMS
Sections:
9.24.075 Archery and archery ranges.
9.24.010 Shooting unlawful.
It is unlawful for any person to discharge within the city limits of Battle Ground any BB gun or air compression rifle or gun, shooting shot, bullet, or metallic object; provided, however, any such shooting shall be lawful if done under the auspices and supervision of any club or organization authorized by the city council of Battle Ground to conduct such shooting. (Ord. 17-12 § 1 (part), 2017: Ord. 15-14 § 2 (part), 2015)
9.24.020 Violation—Penalty.
Violation of this chapter is a gross misdemeanor, and any person, organization or corporation convicted of violation of this chapter shall be punished as provided for in RCW 9.41.230. RCW 9.41.230 as presently written and as may be hereafter amended shall be and is hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. 17-12 § 1 (part), 2017)
9.24.075 Archery and archery ranges.
A. The shooting of an arrow from any type of bow will be prohibited in the city limits of Battle Ground unless such activity takes place on an archery range approved by the city.
1. Approval shall be by a permit process, said permit being issued by the police department. A fee shall be established for the permit by city council and paid at the time of application.
2. Minimum requirements for an outdoor range shall be:
a. The down-range portion of the archery range will have either ample distance or obstruction so that the flight of an arrow cannot enter a residential living area or any area where people congregate or any area that may result in any detriment to the public safety.
b. An archery range shall be allowed on only lots equal to twenty thousand square feet or greater.
c. All four sides of the range shall be clearly marked with signs at least twenty-four inches wide and twelve inches in height that state that the area is an archery range.
d. Outdoor ranges will be specified as commercial or noncommercial.
e. Persons receiving a range permit must carry at least one million dollars in liability insurance and will furnish a certificate of such to the city prior to a permit being issued. Renewal permits will be furnished when appropriate.
f. The range will be inspected by the police department every six months to ensure continued range safety.
g. In the event conditions change near or on the property where a range is located which would detract from the safe operation of the range or create violation of any conditions of the permit or any detriment to the public safety, it will be the responsibility of the owner to notify the city immediately.
h. Ranges will be operated during daylight hours only.
i. Targets will be no more than five feet off the ground.
j. Targets will be posted on a backstop capable of stopping an arrow. Said backstops will be at least eight feet high by four feet wide.
k. Permits to operate an archery range are revocable by the city at any time.
l. Permits are issued with the understanding that the police department may stop operation of a range at any time for any duration by serving notice either verbally or in writing to the permit holder. The permit holder may request a hearing from the city council.
m. The police department will survey the range and make a determination of safety. Said determination will take into account the range layout, surrounding property, roadways and other factors deemed significant to the safe operation of the range. The police department will issue an opinion regarding range safety. Any proposed range which they feel presents a risk or cannot operate in a safe manner will be denied a permit.
B. If the application is denied by the police department or any neighboring property owner feels aggrieved by approval of any archery permit, then the party feeling aggrieved may appeal the decision of the police department to the city council by filing a written request for a hearing not later than twenty-one days after the application is approved or denied. If such a written appeal is received by the city, the council shall, at its next regular meeting, set a time for hearing of the appeal. (Ord. 17-12 § 1 (part), 2017: Ord. 15-14 § 2 (part), 2015)