Borough of Silverdale, PA Chapter 163 Firearms

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Silverdale 10-4-1999 by Ord. No. 256. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 163-1 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

DISCHARGE

The act of expelling, releasing, or propelling a projectile from a firearm or other weapon.

FIREARM

Any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel, release or propel any projectile by the action of an explosive; or the frame or receiver of any such weapon. The term includes shotgun, air gun, air pistol, spring gun, spring pistol, rifle, and pistol of any caliber or any implement which impels with force a pellet, pellets or single projectile of any kind.

HUNTING

To kill or catch game for food or sport in accordance with rules, regulations and statutes of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

PROJECTILE

Any object designed to be expelled, releases or propelled forward, such as a bullet, an arrow, pellets, etc.

TARGET SHOOTING

The act of discharging a firearm or other weapon at an inanimate object for purposes of sport or for practice in preparation of hunting.

§ 163-2 Discharge prohibited; exceptions authorized.

Except as herein otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful and it is hereby prohibited for any person, firm or corporation to discharge, or to allow for the discharge of, any firearm within the Borough of Silverdale, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

§ 163-3 Exceptions.

A. Law enforcement. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the use of a firearm when employed by any duly appointed law officer in the course of his/her official duty.

B. Hunting. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the use of a firearm or other weapon when used for hunting purposes in accordance with the statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

C. Defense of person. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the use of a firearm when used in defense of human life, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, 18 P.S. § 101 et seq.

D. Target shooting. Target shooting is prohibited unless conducted in a safe and reasonable manner, in strict accordance with the following regulations:

(1) Time of day: no discharge other than during daylight hours; i.e., sunrise to sunset.

(2) School zones: no discharge within 1,000 feet of any school property line, public or private.

(3) Property lines: no projectile may cross any property line.

§ 163-4 Enforcement.

The Hilltown Township Police Department or any other officer duly appointed by the Silverdale Borough Council is charged with enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations related thereto which are promulgated by the Borough Council.

§ 163-5 Seizure of firearms.

Any police officer lawfully engaged in his/her law enforcement duties within the Borough of Silverdale is hereby authorized to seize, for evidentiary purposes, any firearms, as defined herein, which have been or shall be fired or discharged within the limits of the Borough of Silverdale in violation of this chapter.

§ 163-6 Violations and penalties.

Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be subject to summary proceedings before the Magisterial District Judge and, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 and, in default of payment, be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days. Each section of the chapter violated by a single discharge shall constitute a separate violation, and each discharge contrary to the regulations herein shall constitute a separate act of violation.