[HISTORY: Adopted by the Representative Town Meeting of the Town of Fairfield as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 6-25-2018]
The purpose of this article is to regulate the discharge of firearms in the Town of Fairfield in furtherance of the protection of public peace and safety.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
FIREARM
Shall have the same definition as in the Connecticut Penal Code, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-3(19), as the same may from time to time be amended.
PEACE OFFICER
Shall have the same definition as in the Connecticut Penal Code, Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-3(9), as the same may from time to time be amended.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm in the Town on public or private property, except as follows:
A. 
By the following persons in the performance of their official or ceremonial duties:
(1) 
Peace officers; or
(2) 
Members of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the State of Connecticut; or
(3) 
Authorized or licensed security personnel.
B. 
By any person acting to defend himself or herself or a third person from physical force, solely in a manner consistent with all federal, state, and local laws.
C. 
By any person responding to wildlife threatening human safety, solely in a manner consistent with all federal, state, and local laws.
D. 
On any ranges authorized, in writing, by the Chief of Police of the Town for the discharge of firearms. Such written authorization must be received on an annual basis, and all such ranges shall be inspected by the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, prior to any such written authorizing being provided.
E. 
By any person hunting who is legally authorized to hunt under the provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes or by local ordinance and any regulations issued thereunder in such places and such manner as is authorized under such statutes, ordinances and regulations.
Before any firearm is discharged on a person's property as authorized by § 63-3E herein, the owner of the property shall provide annual written notice to all abutting property owners which shall state:
A. 
The person's address; and
B. 
That the person intends to hunt, or to allow hunting by third parties, on his or her property consistent with this article.
Each and every discharge of any firearm in violation of this article shall constitute an offense and be punishable by a fine of $250 per offense.
This article shall not supersede any provision of state law, including, but not limited to, any state criminal law or state law regulating hunting.
This article shall become effective 30 days after its passage by the Representative Town Meeting.