This article is adopted so that the city may promote the public health, safely, morals, and general welfare within the city through the regulation of the discharge of firearms and air guns. The city seeks to prevent bodily injury, death, and property damage within the city limits by restricting the discharge of such devices as provided herein.
(Ordinance 18-02-01 adopted 2/5/18)
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section:
Air gun.
Any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy or force generated by the release of air or compressed gasses. The term “air gun” includes but is not limited to BB guns, pellet guns, air pistols, paintball guns, and air rifles.
Firearm.
Any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance or any device readily convertible to that use. The term “firearm” includes but is not limited to revolvers, pistols, handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
Predatory animal.
Any animal defined as a predator by law, including but not limited to, coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, and bobcats.
(Ordinance 18-02-01 adopted 2/5/18)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm or air gun within the city limits.
(b) 
It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) 
The person discharged a firearm or air gun in the lawful defense or protection of a person or property in accordance with state law;
(2) 
The person was a licensed peace officer, licensed security guard, or a member of the United States or state armed forces at the time of the discharge and provided that any such discharge is made in the course and scope of his or her official duties;
(3) 
The person was a duly appointed animal control officer in the course and scope of his or her official duties and was euthanizing a sick or injured animal or eradicating a predatory animal;
(4) 
The person eradicated a predatory animal on his or her own property or with the written permission of the owner of the property;
(5) 
The person used blank cartridges for a theatrical production, an event sponsored by a military organization, a funeral with military honors, an athletic event, or other ceremonial or commemorative events, provided that the discharge is performed safely and directed away from persons, animals, or structures so as to prevent bodily injury or property damage;
(6) 
The person discharged an air gun on his or her own property, provided such device is not fired into or onto another person’s property without the other owner’s consent;
(7) 
The person was at a shooting range operated by the United States government, State of Texas, or political subdivision of the state, or which is privately operated as authorized or permitted by the city;
(8) 
The person was participating in an amusement arcade or paintball amusement facility authorized or permitted by the city; or
(9) 
The person was using any mechanism designed to propel nails, bolts, screws, rivets, or other fasteners, so long as such mechanism was being used for its intended purpose.
(Ordinance 18-02-01 adopted 2/5/18)
A person violating any provision of this article shall, upon conviction, be fined a sum not to exceed $500.00. Each day that a provision of this article is violated shall constitute a separate offense. An offense under this article is a misdemeanor.
(Ordinance 18-02-01 adopted 2/5/18)