Charleston County, South Carolina — The Charleston County Council granted final approval Tuesday to an ordinance increasing weapon restrictions in unincorporated regions of the county.
The legislation, which aims to reduce the careless discharge of firearms near homes and structures, was overwhelmingly approved on its third reading during the county council meeting on Oct. 14 without additional discussion.
Residents of a West Ashley neighborhood and staff at St. Mark United Methodist Church launched a change campaign after hearing gunfire on a regular basis, according to News 2.
“When the neighbors started firing his guns, in his backyard at his targets, we immediately had to evacuate the kids off the playground,” Senior Minister of the church, Mike Bruce, recounted of one particular incident last year. “Another instance, we were out here in the parking lot when we heard gunfire again, and it certainly made people feel fairly unsafe.”
Until today, homeowners in unincorporated regions were not protected by local rules that prohibited shooting guns near homes.
The County’s unincorporated areas now require permission from building occupants or owners before discharging a handgun within 100 feet of any structure, according to a new ordinance.
Violators might face a maximum sentence of 30 days in prison, a $500 fine, or both.
The ordinance allows for some exceptions, such as when firearms are used in self-defense. It also excludes law enforcement officials and armed forces members doing official responsibilities, a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources employee conducting nuisance wildlife control, and existing weapons ranges.
The new limits took effect immediately after Tuesday’s passage.
