As used in this Article
V, the following words shall have the meanings indicated:
DISCHARGE
The expulsion of a projectile from a firearm or the operation of
a firearm in such a manner so as to lead one to reasonably conclude by sight
or sound, that a projectile was expelled from a firearm. If the firearm used
is capable of the expulsion of a projectile, its firing alone shall be sufficient
to constitute a discharge and no further proof of the expulsion of a projectile
shall be necessary.
[Amended 8-28-2007 by Ord. No. 14-2007]
FIREARM
Any device which is designed and intended to expel a projectile by
action of gun powder, any other explosive, compressed air, compressed gas
or mechanical device including any device which, when discharged, would by
sound or otherwise, lead another to reasonably conclude by sight or sound
that the device expelled a projectile or give the appearance of the expulsion
of a projectile even though no expulsion of a projectile occurred. By way
of example and not limitation, items that are to be considered firearms under
this article include guns, pistols, rifles and shotguns. The definition of
“firearm” shall not be deemed to include items that are traditionally
considered to be children’s toys when used in the manner for which they
were designed. The definition of “firearm” shall not include starter
pistols when used in the manner in which they were intended, i.e., to signify
the start of a race or other similar event.
[Amended 8-28-2007 by Ord. No. 14-2007]
The Chief of Police of the City of Lancaster may issue a permit to allow
the limited discharge of firearms for events or activities within the City
of Lancaster, upon application of the party responsible for the organization
or promotion of such event or activity. The Chief of Police shall only issue
a permit once he/she has determined in his/her judgment that adequate safety
measures have been or will be taken such that the discharge of firearms during
the event or activity will not pose a significant risk to the health and safety
of the residents of the city, or the participants and spectators during the
event or activity. The issuance of a permit under this section shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed. By way of example and not limitation, the
events or activities for which permits may be issued include target shooting
competitions or demonstrations, fireworks demonstrations and block shoots.
[Amended 8-28-2007 by Ord. No. 14-2007]
Whoever violates any provision of this Article
V shall, upon conviction thereof in a summary proceeding before any district justice, be fined $500.00 for each offense and the cost of prosecution and shall be ordered to pay restitution, in an amount determined by the court, for damages to person or properties suffered by a victim as a result of the violation of Article
V and shall serve a term of imprisonment of 90 days. Each discharge as defined herein shall constitute a separate and distinct offense and sentences therefor shall be imposed for each offense and may not run concurrently but must run consecutively to each other. The fines collected by the district justice for a violation of provisions of this article shall be paid over to the City of Lancaster.