The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Crossbow or Bow and Arrow.
Are to be considered weapons within this article if they
utilize a projectile equipped with a metal tip capable of inflicting
pain or injury and can be fired with initial velocities in excess
of 300 feet per second.
Firearm.
Any device designed, made or adapted to expel a projectile
through a barrel using the energy generated by an explosion or burning
substance or any device readily convertible to that use.
Handgun.
Any firearm that is designed to fire a solid projectile or
multiple projectiles through a barrel and is made or adapted to be
fired with one hand.
Person.
Any individual, corporation, organization, or government
or governmental subdivision or agency.
Public Place.
As used in this article means any place to which the public
or a substantial group of the public has access and includes, but
is not limited to, streets, highways and the common areas of schools,
hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, transport facilities
and shops.
Rifle.
Any firearm designed to fire a solid projectile or multiple
projectiles through a barrel and is designed to be fired from the
shoulder.
Shotgun.
Any firearm designed to fire multiple projectiles or pellets
through a smooth barrel.
(Ordinance 09-06 adopted 5/4/09)
It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to fire or
shoot or cause to be fired or shot any firearm, as that term is defined
herein, air rifle, BB gun, pellet gun, crossbow, bow and arrow, rifle,
shotgun, automatic rifle, handgun, or any weapon designed for the
purpose of firing or discharging any shell or cartridge or projectile
whether such shell or cartridge or projectile is blank or live ammunition,
in any place within the territorial limits of the town, except as
otherwise may be specifically permitted for purposes under the laws
of the state.
(Ordinance 09-06 adopted 5/4/09)
The following shall be defenses to the prohibition set forth
in this article:
(1) Military
personnel or peace officers of the United States or the State of Texas
or any of its political subdivisions while in the performance of official
duties;
(2) The use
of blank cartridges or shells for show or theatrical productions or
for signal or ceremonial purposes in athletics or sporting events;
(3) The discharge
or firing of an air rifle, pellet gun, BB gun or other similar instrument,
or crossbow or bow and arrow as defined in this article is permitted
on private property with the express permission of the land owner
or occupant. Projectiles shall not go onto or over the property of
another person from whom the person discharging or firing does not
have permission; or
(4) A handgun,
rifle or shotgun may be fired or discharged for the purpose of protecting
oneself, one’s property, or one’s domestic animals.
(Ordinance 09-06 adopted 5/4/09)
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction in the municipal
court of the town, shall be fined in accordance with the general penalty
provision set forth in Section 1.109 of this code for each offense.
Any person violating any of the provisions relating to the discharge
or firing of an air rifle, BB gun, pellet gun or other similar device
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction in the
municipal court of the town, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed
one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each offense.
(Ordinance 09-06 adopted 5/4/09)