[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors
of the Township of West Whiteland 2-21-1983 by Ord. No. 91 (Ch.
6, Part 7, of the 1983 Code of Ordinances). Amendments noted where
applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Peace and good order — See Ch. 230.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
Shall include air gun, air pistol, spring gun or pistol,
shotgun, rifles and pistols of any caliber.
A.
Except as herein provided, it shall be unlawful to
fire or discharge any firearm within the Township of West Whiteland.
B.
The use of firearms is permitted when employed by
any duly appointed law officer in the course of his/her official duty.
C.
The use of firearms is permitted when necessary for
the preservation of human life as authorized in the Pennsylvania Crimes
Code.
D.
The use of firearms is permitted when hunting in conformity with
the Game Laws and other applicable laws, regulations and ordinances
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and this Township.
[Amended 2-10-2016 by Ord. No. 431]
The use of firearms shall be allowed on target
ranges, indoor or outdoor, under the supervision of the owner or occupant
of the land or his or her duly appointed representative provided that:
A.
All target ranges shall be constructed and operated
in a safe and prudent manner. If standards, regulations or recommended
procedures for operation are established or promulgated by any recognized
body, such as the National Rifle Association or the American Trap
Shooting Association, then such standards, regulations or procedures
shall be adhered to.
B.
Such range is registered as such with the Township
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.
The careless, reckless or improper use of any
firearm tending to imperil or cause danger or harm to personal security
or endanger the property of any person within the Township of West
Whiteland is prohibited.
[Amended 11-7-1983 by Ord. No. 97; 6-14-1994 by Ord. No.
220; 6-10-1997 by Ord. No. 257]
A person or persons using or discharging a firearm
in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject
to a fine in the amount of at least $50, but not to exceed $1,000,
plus all court costs, including reasonable attorney fees incurred
by the Township. Upon a finding of liability for committing said violation
or permitting said violation, in a civil enforcement proceeding commenced
by the Township, the defendant shall pay the fine, plus all court
costs, including attorney fees. No judgment shall be imposed until
the date of determination of a violation by a District Justice. If
the defendant neither pays nor timely appeals the judgment, the Township
may enforce the judgment pursuant to the applicable Rules of Civil
Procedure.
Legible signs giving public notice of this chapter
shall be posted at or near the public highways at the boundaries of
West Whiteland Township.
