The purpose of this chapter is to preserve and protect public
and private property within the Village of Lowville, provide for the
general health, safety and welfare of Village inhabitants and preserve
the peace and good order in the Village of Lowville by regulating
the discharge within the Village limits.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated.
BOW
A projectile weapon system which is typically used to project
an arrow or bolt. This definition includes, but is not limited to,
a cross bow, complex bow, compound bow, long bow, recurve bow, reflex
bow or self bow. This definition does not include sling shots.
FIREARM
These devices defined as a firearm under New York State Penal
Law § 265.00.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, partnership, association or
other organized group of persons, municipality, or other legal entity.
WEAPON
Includes all types of firearms as defined in New York State
Penal Law § 265.60(3) and shall further include BB guns,
pellet guns and air rifles.
Except as provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for
any person to discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm that,
by use of explosive force or gunpowder, emits projectiles within the
geographical boundaries of the Village of Lowville.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
A. A duly appointed law enforcement officer in the performance of official
duties.
B. The lawful use of a firearm in defense of a person, against human
or animal attack, for the preservation of human life.
C. The use of firearms shall be allowed on target ranges, indoors under
supervision of the owner or occupant of that land or his duly appointed
representative, provided that:
(1) All target ranges shall be constructed and operated in a safe and
prudent manner with due regard for the safety of the surrounding community
and in compliance with applicable standards, regulations, or procedures
for operation of same established or promulgated by the State of New
York or any recognized body, such as the National Rifle Association
or the American Trap Shooting Association, as same may be applicable
to the particular use of the range.
(2) Such range is registered as such with the Village by the owner or
occupant of the land on which the range is located, which registration
shall specify the area or areas designated for target range purposes.
(3) Such range is not located within 500 feet of any dwelling which is
not owned by the owner of the range.
D. Explosive devices that are lawfully used for excavation, demolition,
construction, reconstruction or remodeling purposes.
E. Explosive devices that are lawfully used for a properly permitted
fireworks entertainment display or event by a duly licensed operator.
F. Firing of the firearms in association with veteran acknowledgment
or initiation of racing or athletic events provided that blanks were
utilized.
The use of weapons such as a bow or arrow or BB or pellet guns
are allowable on a person's property provided that:
A. There is no noise associated with the firing of which may disturb
neighboring property.
B. The target being fired at is able to withstand the item being fired
at it without penetration through the target.
C. This target practice takes place in a location 150 feet from neighboring
structures unless written permission is given by the neighbor(s) if
the target is less than 150 feet from neighboring structures.
This chapter shall be enforced by the Lowville Village Police
Department, or any responding law enforcement official.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter,
upon conviction thereof, shall be fined $100 per offense.
Each separate provision herein, and if any provision shall be
deemed or declared invalid, all other provisions hereof shall remain
valid and enforceable.
This chapter shall take effect immediately upon filing with
the Secretary of State.