Article 10-3
WEAPONS

Sections:

10-3-1 Discharge of Weapons

10-3-1 Discharge of Weapons

A.  It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to negligently or purposely discharge any dart gun, BB gun, slingshot or other similar firearm or instrument or bow and arrow, crossbow or similar instrument within the corporate limits, except:

1.   In necessary self-defense as provided by State law.

2.   For the purpose of target shooting or practice on a range operated by qualified personnel. Qualified personnel for purposes of this ordinance shall consist of ALEOAC state certified instructors.

3.   Target shooting on private premises with BB guns, pellet guns or slingshots, providing:

a.   Target shooting or other discharge of projectiles from the firearms, instruments or weapons described in Section 10-3-1(A) allowed solely within the boundaries of private properties with the consent of the owner or owners of said property. However, the deliberate or negligent discharge of any projectiles from any of the various weapons or firearms described in this ordinance on or toward any property without the consent of the owner(s) shall be deemed a violation of this ordinance.

B.  For the purpose of this ordinance, a firearm is defined as any device that expels a projectile or projectiles other than by means of expanding gases. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to apply to firearms as defined in A.R.S. 13-3101(4) nor to firearms regulated by A.R.S. 13-3107.

C.  Every person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall forfeit the gun or instrument so fired or discharged, in accordance with applicable procedures for forfeiture.

D.  Every officer upon making any arrest and taking weapons used in violation of this section shall deliver the same to be held as evidence until the final determination of the prosecution for the offense. Upon a finding of guilty, the Court may order the weapon forthwith to be forfeited to the Chief of Police who shall make disposition of the weapon in the manner prescribed by law.

4.   For special events or public or private properties where ten (10) or more persons are present and utilize target practice, firearms demonstrations or any of the weapons or other instruments listed in Section 10-3-1(A) are to be discharged, a permit shall be obtained from the Chief of Police prior to such event(s). Applicants for a permit shall submit to the Chief of Police information detailing the location proposed for such event, the type of use(s) proposed and all safety precautions being taken. The applicant(s) shall certify that proper safety procedures will be taken.