Chapter 7.25
FIREARMS, PROJECTILES, AND ELECTRIC WEAPONS
Sections:
7.25.030 Adoption by reference.
7.25.040 Prohibition of discharge and dangerous handling.
7.25.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety within the city of Ocean Shores by prohibiting the discharge and reckless handling of firearms, projectile weapons, and electric weapons within city limits, except in limited lawful circumstances.
The intent of this chapter is solely to regulate the discharge, handling, and use of firearms, projectile weapons, and electric weapons within the city limits of Ocean Shores for the protection of public safety, persons, property, animals, and wildlife where there is a reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals, wildlife or property will be jeopardized.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to regulate, restrict, or conflict with state law governing the lawful possession, ownership, or carrying of firearms as provided in Chapter 9.41 RCW. (Ord. 1152 § 1, 2026)
7.25.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
A. “Discharge” means to shoot, fire, release, or otherwise propel a projectile or electrical charge from any firearm or device.
B. “Electric weapon” means any device designed to immobilize, incapacitate, or injure a person through the use of electrical current, including stun guns and Tasers.
C. “Firearm” means any weapon or device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns, as defined in RCW 9.41.010.
D. “Person” includes any individual, corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity.
E. “Projectile weapon” means any device designed or used to propel a projectile by any means, including but not limited to BB guns, pellet guns, air rifles, paintball guns, slingshots, bows, crossbows, or similar devices capable of causing bodily injury or property damage.
F. “Public place” as defined in RCW 9.41.300.
(Ord. 1152 § 1, 2026)
7.25.030 Adoption by reference.
The following provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), as now enacted or hereafter amended, are hereby adopted by reference.
RCW 9.41.230 – Aiming or discharging firearms.
RCW 9.41.250 – Dangerous weapons.
RCW 9.41.270 – Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm.
(Ord. 1152 § 1, 2026)
7.25.040 Prohibition of discharge and dangerous handling.
A. It is unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm, projectile weapon, or electric weapon within the city limits of Ocean Shores.
B. It is unlawful for any person to intentionally aim, brandish, display, or discharge any such weapon, whether loaded or not, under circumstances where there is a reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals, wildlife, or property will be jeopardized, or in a manner that causes fear or alarm.
C. No person shall discharge any firearm, projectile weapon, or electric weapon in such a way that the projectile, charge, or other effect travels over, across, or onto public property, or private property, except as specifically authorized under the exemptions provided in Section 7.25.050.
(Ord. 1152 § 1, 2026)
7.25.050 Exemptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
A. Law enforcement officers acting within the performance and/or scope of official duties.
B. City-authorized animal control officers or code enforcement officers acting in the performance and/or scope of their official duties.
C. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officers acting in official wildlife-management duties.
D. Lawful defense of self or others as provided in Chapter 9A.16 RCW.
E. The discharge of a flare gun or other emergency signaling device when reasonably necessary to signal distress, summon assistance, or respond to an emergency involving imminent risk to life or safety.
F. Authorized firearm ranges, training facilities or clubs operating in compliance with all applicable regulations.
G. Theatrical, ceremonial, educational, or training activities approved in writing by the chief of police and city administrator and/or their designees.
H. Hunting of waterfowl and upland birds only on land managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) within the city limits, described as follows, and conforming to all regulations established by WDFW:
1. That area of land being within the perimeter of Sections 22, 23, 26 and 27, Township 17N, Range 12W, WM owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), also known as the Oyhut Wildlife Area, and commonly referred to as “the sink,” less a strip of land one hundred yards in width from the perimeter boundary line of “the sink.”
2. That area of land managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) lying east of the Ocean Shores Municipal Airport, also known as the Ocean Shores Airport Wildlife Area, and described as:
Commencing at the intersection of Smith Street and Olympic View Way (now known as Olympic View Ave NE) situated in Division 23, Plat of Ocean Shores, thence N 12 degrees 40' 00" a distance of 251.83 feet which is the beginning of the point of reference for the hunting zone; thence S 77 degrees 20' 00" a distance of 884.79 feet; to the south terminus of the clear flight zone. The north boundary begins at the same Smith Street point, thence N 13 degrees 12' 00" a distance of 1,000.00 feet, thence north 7 degrees 30' 00" a distance of 3,110.00 feet to establish the point of reference for the north hunting boundary, thence north 1 degree 47' 22" a distance of 1,205.00 feet to the north terminus of the clear flight zone.
I. Bowfishing of Carp. The bowfishing of carp is permitted within the city limits under the following conditions and shall conform to all the regulations established by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW):
1. WAC 220-300-160(6) “Bow and Arrow Fishing (Bowfishing).” Any method of taking, or attempting to take, fish by the use of an arrow equipped with a barbed head and a line attached and propelled by a bow as in the sport of archery, while the fisher is above the surface of the water.
2. Participants must possess all required Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) licenses or permits and comply with all applicable RCW and WAC provisions governing bowfishing.
3. Bowfishing of carp shall be conducted in a manner that ensures public safety and does not endanger people, wildlife, pets, or property.
J. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to abridge the right of an individual guaranteed by Article I, Section 24 of the Washington State Constitution to bear arms in defense of self or others, as provided in RCW 9.41.300(3)(a).
(Ord. 1152 § 1, 2026)
7.25.060 Penalties.
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to prosecution and penalties as provided under applicable provisions of the Ocean Shores Municipal Code and consistent with Chapter 9.41 RCW, specifically RCW 9.41.230(1) and 9.41.810.
Pursuant to Chapter 7.40, which adopts by reference the Washington Criminal Code and Crimes and Punishments (RCW Titles 9 and 9A) as the criminal laws of the city in addition to those provisions unique to the city, offenses under this chapter will be charged consistent with state law.
B. Each separate act or discharge shall constitute a separate offense.
C. Any firearm, projectile weapon, electric weapon, or other device used in violation of this chapter may be subject to seizure and forfeiture in accordance with RCW 9.41.098 and 63.32.010, as applicable.
(Ord. 1152 § 1, 2026)