HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 1021 - Firearms Use
CHAPTER X – NUISANCES & OFFENSES
ORDINANCE 1021 FIREARMS USE ORDINANCE ......................................................1021-1
Section 1021.01: PURPOSE ......................................................................................1021-1
Section 1021.02: DEFINITIONS ...............................................................................1021-1
Section 1021.03: USE OF FIREARMS .....................................................................1021-1
Section 1021.04: HUNTING PERMITS AND FEES .................................................1021-1
Section 1021.05: EXEMPTIONS ALLOWED ..........................................................1021-1
Section 1021.06: PENALTY .....................................................................................1021-2
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CHAPTER X – NUISANCES & OFFENSES
ORDINANCE 1021 FIREARMS USE ORDINANCE
Section 1021.01: PURPOSE. It shall be the purpose of this Ordinance to protect the
safety and well-being of persons and property in the City of St. Joseph.
Section 1021.02: DEFINITIONS. The term "firearms" shall mean any device from
which a projectile is propelled by, but not limited to, gunpowder, CO2, spring action or air. This
definition shall be deemed to include, but not limited to, shotguns, rifles, pellet/BB guns, pistols,
revolvers, slingshots, blow-guns, and bows and arrows.
Section 1021.03: USE OF FIREARMS.
Subd. 1: Discharge of Firearms. It shall be unlawful to use, fire, or discharge firearms
within the City of St. Joseph. This use shall not prohibit the discharge of shotguns or the use of
bows and arrows with broad heads (hunting tips) during legally designated hunting seasons with
a hunting permit provided by the City.
Subd. 2: Possession and Transfer of Firearms. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell,
give, lend or in anyway cause any person under 18 years of age to possess any device as herein
described without a parent or legal guardian present and with permission from said parent or
legal guardian. It shall be unlawful for any person under 18 years of age to possess any device as
herein described anywhere except property described as his/her residence except for the express
purpose of legal hunting and with a hunting permit as required herein.
Subd. 3: Shotgun hunting shall be permitted on the designated State of Minnesota
Wildlife Reserve parcels only. Bow and arrow hunting shall be allowed on the designated State
of Minnesota Wildlife Reserve parcels.
Section 1021.04: HUNTING PERMITS AND FEES. The City Council may issue special
hunting permits for hunting or shooting on undeveloped lands but such permits shall be issued
only with written consent of the owners of such lands. The permits shall be issued at the
discretion of the Police. Appeals may be taken from his determination to the City Council. All
such permits must be issued in writing and in the possession of the individual issued the permit.
The Council shall establish a permit fee in an amount sufficient to cover the costs to administer
this Ordinance.
Section 1021.05: EXEMPTIONS ALLOWED. This Ordinance shall not prohibit the use
of firearms by a legally appointed police officer or by a member of a duly licensed gun club as
hereinafter provided when firing or discharging firearms on the authorized firing range of the
club and within the prescribed hours for shooting. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed
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CHAPTER X – NUISANCES & OFFENSES
to include the use of firearms or any other weapon when done in the lawful defense of persons,
property, family or the necessary enforcement of the law.
Section 1021.06: PENALTY. Any person violating any provision of this ordinance shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more
than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both, plus the costs of
prosecution in either case.
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