The foregoing recitals are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth more
fully herein.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "West Manheim Township
Explosive Target Ordinance" (herein referred to as "chapter").
The purpose of this chapter is to implement standards for the
detonation of explosive targets that may cause injury, death or damage
to individuals and to real or personal property, while preserving
the personal freedom and right to engage in target shooting, in the
in furtherance of promoting public health, safety, welfare, comfort
and prosperity of the residents of West Manheim Township.
Terms used herein shall carry their common meaning and definition
unless otherwise defined below:
BUILDING
Any structure intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure
of persons, animals of personal property.
DETONATE
Any action that will cause an explosive material or device
to explode.
EXPLOSIVE
Any chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or
common purpose of which is to function by explosion.
EXPLOSIVE TARGET
Any device, utilized for the purpose of shot confirmation,
which explodes upon impact by a projectile fired from a firearm. Such
devices are typically comprised of chemicals or materials that react
in an explosive manner once impacted by a projectile or a detonation
device, including, but not limited to, binary explosive targets made
of separately packaged fuel and oxidizer components that must be mixed
to make the explosive device live. Such devices/targets include, but
are not limited to, those marketed under the name of Tannerite, Star,
Sure-Shot and others.
OWNER
A person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or control
of any premises or property within the Township.
PERSON
Any natural person (individual), firm, partnership, association,
corporation, limited liability company, company or organization of
any kind.
This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit any of the following:
A. The use of explosive targets by any federal, Pennsylvania or local
law enforcement officer, or any member of an organized rescue or firefighting
force, in the training for or performance of their official duties.
B. The detonation of an explosive target at a properly permitted and
approved shooting range or facility operating as such prior to the
adoption of this chapter.
C. Any individual, group or company that possesses a valid permit and
is operating under all federal and Pennsylvania guidelines prescribed
for such use, i.e., a permit to shoot a film/movie.
D. This chapter shall not apply to the use of fireworks or pyrotechnics,
as permitted under Pennsylvania law.
In the event of a violation of this chapter, the Township may
commence an action before the Magisterial District Justice in the
same manner provided for the enforcement of summary criminal offenses
under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure and upon a finding
of guilt, a fine of not more than $1,000 per violation may be imposed
and a term of imprisonment to the extent permitted by law for the
punishment of summary offenses may be imposed. Each act and each target
detonated in violation hereunder shall constitute a separate offense.
If any portion of this chapter or its application to any person,
property or circumstance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional
by any court, such holding shall not be construed to affect the validity
of any of the remaining provisions of this chapter or its application,
for such portion shall be deemed as a separate, distinct, and independent
provision from the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full
force and effect. It is hereby declared the legislative intent that
this chapter would have been adopted had such invalid or unconstitutional
provision or its application not been included therein.
This chapter shall become effective as provided by law. All
prior ordinances and/or portions thereof inconsistent herewith are
hereby repealed.