The following local ordinances apply in Hampton City:
- Sec. 40-16.1. - Discharge of rifle, pistol or shotgun loaded with slugs. (reference)
(a) The discharge or use of a rifle, pistol or shotgun loaded with slugs is hereby prohibited within the city limits.
(b) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(Code 1964, § 27.1-59; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 731, 9-8-82; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07)
Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.
State Law reference— Authority of city to prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.
- Sec. 40-17. - Discharge near dwelling, occupied structure or street. (reference)
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge shots, bullets, pellets or any similar thing from a firearm or pneumatic gun within five hundred (500) feet of any dwelling or occupied structure or any street, alley or other public way in the city. Any violation of this section involving a firearm shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any violation of this section involving a pneumatic gun shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(Code 1964, § 27.1-57; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07; Ord. No. 16-0001, 1-13-16)
- Sec. 40-18. - Discharge or hunting prohibited. (reference)
(a) The discharge or use of a firearm or pneumatic gun within the city limits is hereby prohibited, except as provided in subsections 40-18(b) and (c), 40-20 and 40-22.
(b) Hunting within the city limits is hereby prohibited, except as provided in section 40-20 or when such hunting takes place pursuant to a permit for controlled wildlife reduction issued by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Such hunting may also be subject to review by the city manager. Such review may include but not be limited to, the area in which weapons may be discharged, the caliber of the weapons to be used and the days and hours such hunting shall occur.
(c) Discharge or use of a firearm or pneumatic gun within the city limits may be permitted by designated persons for animal control purposes where the chief of police has found that such is necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and the action has been reviewed and approved in writing by the chief of police.
(d )Any violation of this section involving a firearm shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any violation of this section involving a pneumatic gun shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(Code 1964, § 27.1-59; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 731, 9-8-82; Ord. No. 924, 1-25-89; Ord. No. 1200, 12-10-97; Ord. No. 1271, 2-23-00; Ord. No. 1283, 7-19-00; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07; Ord. No. 16-0001, 1-13-16)
Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.
State Law reference— Authority to prohibit hunting, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.1.
- Sec. 40-19. - Carrying loaded rifle or shotgun prohibited. (reference)
It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle, on any public street, road or highway within the City of Hampton. Any violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $100.
This section shall become effective on May 1, 2016.
(Ord. No. 16-0001, 1-13-16)
- Sec. 40-20. - Discharge over bodies of water. (reference)
(a) The discharge or use of a firearm, air gun, spring gun, pellet gun or similar implement over bodies of water within the jurisdiction of the city is prohibited, except from blinds licensed by the Commonwealth. The discharge or use of a rifle or pistol or a shotgun while loaded with slugs from such licensed blinds is prohibited. Further, no firearm, other than a shotgun loaded with shot not heavier than double ought buckshot, shall be discharged from such blind and no shot shall be discharged landward within five hundred (500) feet of the shoreline.
(b)A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(Code 1964, § 27.1-59; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 731, 9-8-82; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07; Ord. No. 18-0004, 4-25-18)
Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.