[Adopted 11-23-1999 by Ord. No. 9-1999]
As used in this Article V, the following words shall have the meanings indicated:
The expulsion of a projectile from a firearm or the operation of a firearm in such a manner so as to lead one to reasonably conclude by sight or sound, that a projectile was expelled from a firearm. If the firearm used is capable of the expulsion of a projectile, its firing alone shall be sufficient to constitute a discharge and no further proof of the expulsion of a projectile shall be necessary.
[Amended 8-28-2007 by Ord. No. 14-2007]
Any device which is designed and intended to expel a projectile by action of gun powder, any other explosive, compressed air, compressed gas or mechanical device including any device which, when discharged, would by sound or otherwise, lead another to reasonably conclude by sight or sound that the device expelled a projectile or give the appearance of the expulsion of a projectile even though no expulsion of a projectile occurred. By way of example and not limitation, items that are to be considered firearms under this article include guns, pistols, rifles and shotguns. The definition of “firearm” shall not be deemed to include items that are traditionally considered to be children’s toys when used in the manner for which they were designed. The definition of “firearm” shall not include starter pistols when used in the manner in which they were intended, i.e., to signify the start of a race or other similar event.
[Amended 8-28-2007 by Ord. No. 14-2007]
B.
(1)
The discharge of a firearm by a law enforcement officer or military personnel acting within the line of duty, including but not limited to active operations, training exercises and ceremonies.
(2)
The discharge of a firearm for purposes of hunting or other activities regulated by and conducted in accordance with the Game and Wild Life Code of Pennsylvania.
(3)
The discharge of a firearm within a properly constructed and legally permitted firing range duly established within the City of Lancaster.
(4)
The discharge of a firearm in defense of human life or the residence or place of business of the person discharging the firearm.
(5)
The discharge of a firearm at an event, for which the party organizing or promoting such event has obtained a special permit issued by the Chief of Police of the City of Lancaster.
(6)
The discharge of a firearm at a military funeral or other similar ceremony, provided that the party organizing such funerals or ceremonies has obtained a permit in accordance with § 129-14 hereof from the Chief of Police. For these ceremonies and funerals, the Chief of Police may issue a permit for the organizing party that covers all such funerals or ceremonies to be conducted by such party whether then contemplated or not, and such permit shall remain in force until repealed by the Chief of Police.
[Added 8-28-2007 by Ord. No. 14-2007]
The Chief of Police of the City of Lancaster may issue a permit to allow the limited discharge of firearms for events or activities within the City of Lancaster, upon application of the party responsible for the organization or promotion of such event or activity. The Chief of Police shall only issue a permit once he/she has determined in his/her judgment that adequate safety measures have been or will be taken such that the discharge of firearms during the event or activity will not pose a significant risk to the health and safety of the residents of the city, or the participants and spectators during the event or activity. The issuance of a permit under this section shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. By way of example and not limitation, the events or activities for which permits may be issued include target shooting competitions or demonstrations, fireworks demonstrations and block shoots.
[Amended 8-28-2007 by Ord. No. 14-2007]
Whoever violates any provision of this Article V shall, upon conviction thereof in a summary proceeding before any district justice, be fined $500.00 for each offense and the cost of prosecution and shall be ordered to pay restitution, in an amount determined by the court, for damages to person or properties suffered by a victim as a result of the violation of Article V and shall serve a term of imprisonment of 90 days. Each discharge as defined herein shall constitute a separate and distinct offense and sentences therefor shall be imposed for each offense and may not run concurrently but must run consecutively to each other. The fines collected by the district justice for a violation of provisions of this article shall be paid over to the City of Lancaster.
