Politics & Government

Perkiomen BOS Tables Firearm Discharge Ordinance

The body voted not to limit the use of firearms on private properties in the township.

The Perkiomen Township Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to table an ordinance that would limit the ability for residents to shoot guns on their properties.

The ordinance, which was prompted by neighbor complaints of guns being shot in residential areas, was circulated to the board in October before being sent back to solicitor Kenneth Picardi for being “too restrictive." 

Currently, there is no firearm ordinance to control shooting on private properties outside of hunting seasons overseen by the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Commission.

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Perkiomen Township Manager Cecile Daniel said that this proposed ordinance responded to residents who complained over the noise and safety issues, but was respectful of the rights of township gun owners.

The ordinance prevented the discharge of firearms within 150 yards of where people live, work, sleep or worship, and shooting was not allowed within 100 yards of, or across, a property line. 

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Under the ordinance, target practice would only be permitted with a backstop in accordance with NRA regulations, and discharge would not be permitted between sundown and 8 a.m.

Proposed exceptions to these provisions were in defense of life, for law enforcement, or hunting controlled by the State of Pennsylvania.

Shooting practice at Graterford Prison would still be permitted; additionally, daytime and weekend shooting on private properties, as long as the gun owners comply with the regulations, would also be permitted.

Township Supervisor Richard Kratz opposed the ordinance.

“My overall opinion is that I don’t like it,” Kratz said.  “I’m allowed to own guns, but you’re strictly limiting my ability to use them.”

Board of Supervisors Chairman Gordon Mac Elhenney agreed with Kratz.

“It is disturbing that you can be controlled on your own property,” Mac Elhenney said, referring to the ordinance as “ridiculous.”

Supervisor Dean Becker was initially supportive of the ordinance, suggesting that it be advertised to the public.

“I’m not sure people should think about shooting in the back yards of some of our developments,” Becker said. 

By the end of the discussion, though, Becker said he “wouldn’t lose any sleep” if the bill was tabled.

The board unanimously voted to table the ordinance, with the possibility of revisiting the issue in the future.


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