firearm within 150 yards of a dwelling or other building or structure, which is designed to be occupied by human beings, if such person knows or reasonably should know that injury to persons or damage to property may result.”
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Is continually shooting a firearm numerous times in Oak Ridge a violation of our noise ordinance? If not, why not? The most recent occurrence lasted for two hours the day after Christmas when most people were trying to relax. With regard to the noise from gunfire, the Town of Oak Ridge’s Code of Ordinances states “…It shall be unlawful for any person, persons, or business entity to make, permit, continue, or cause to be made, any unreasonably loud, disturbing, annoying or unnecessary noise in the incorporated area of Oak Ridge, with the exception of construction work pursuant to a federal, state, county or town contract which requires work to be performed during certain hours. The ordinance further defines “unreasonably loud or annoying” noise as that “which is substantially incompatible with the time and location where created to the extent that such noise creates an actual or imminent interference with peace or good order.” Oak Ridge Town Manager Bruce Oak-
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Lt. Fred Antonelli of the sheriff’s District 1 office, which covers northwest Guilford County, also notes gunfire cannot persist for more than 60 minutes consecutively (noting exceptions below).
ley said that because a judgment must be made as to what is “unreasonably loud or annoying” and potentially a violation of the ordinance, the town directs citizens with noise and safety concerns related to gunfire to call the sheriff’s office. Regarding gunfire specifically, Oak Ridge’s ordinance is consistent with other municipalities’ ordinances within Guilford County, which state, “No person shall, without the consent of the owner or lawful occupier, discharge a
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To read the local/county ordinance covering gunfire, visit www.myguilford.com and search for “Code of Ordinances,” then “gunfire.” For more information or further clarification, call the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (336) 373-2222.
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Exceptions to the rules about gunfire include when it is: (1) In defense of life or property; (2) By law enforcement officers in the performance of their duty; (3) By persons lawfully engaged in pest control; or (4) At public or private shooting ranges or galleries.
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