Virginia Airgun Laws and Hunting Regulations

Brief Overview Of Virginia State Laws Concerning Air Guns

Virginia state law authorizes local jurisdictions to regulate air guns, however there are some exemptions on what can be regulated. Approved shooting ranges or private property with the permission of the owner were air guns can be fired safetly are exempt from these regulations.

Virginia State Laws Pertaining To Air Guns:

5.Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-915.4(E). Virginia law also requires a school board to expel from school attendance for at least one year any student whom such school board has determined to have possessed a pneumatic gun as defined in subsection E of § 15.2-915.4 on school property or at a school-sponsored activity. Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-277.07.

15.2-915.4. Counties, cities and towns authorized to regulate use of pneumatic guns.

A. A locality may prohibit, by ordinance, the shooting of pneumatic guns in any areas of the locality that are in the opinion of the governing body so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants thereof, and may require supervision by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor below the age of 16 in all uses of pneumatic guns on private or public property. The ordinance may specify that minors above the age of 16 may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun at any place designated for such use by the local governing body or on private property with the consent of the owner. The ordinance may specify that any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use. Any penalty for a pneumatic gun offense set forth in such an ordinance shall not exceed a Class 3 misdemeanor.

B. No such ordinance authorized by subsection A shall prohibit the use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

C. Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of 16 may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

D. Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

E. As used in this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure.

“Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
(2004, c. 930; 2011, c. 832.)

How old do you need to be to purchase a BB gun, airgun, air rifle or pellet gun in Virginia?

In Virginia you must be 16 Years Old to purchase a BB gun, airgun, air rifle or pellet gun.

Virginia Air Gun Hunting Regulations

Virginia allows air gun hunting for certain species. These species include:
• Crow
• Feral Hogs
• Groundhog
• Grouse
• Pheasant
• Quail
• Turkey
• Whitetail Deer

Air Gun Laws In Local Jurisdictions

In addition to state laws, local jurisdictions may also have their own laws regulating air guns. Below are the laws for local jurisdictions in the state of Virginia.

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 50 OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Abingdon, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 50-7. Use of pneumatic guns, slingshots, grit shooters; throwing missiles.

(a) No person shall use any instrument for projecting missiles liable to do any injury to persons or property, such as a slingshot, grit shooter, or any other type of instrument for projecting missiles, in the town. This section shall not, however, be construed to prohibit the use of any pneumatic guns on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the boundaries of the property, pursuant to the Code of Virginia 1950, as amended, § 15.2-915.4 and consistent with section 50-6(a) and (d), above.

(b) It shall also be unlawful for any person to throw any rock, stone or similar dangerous missile in the town.
(Code 1985, § 13-10; Ord. of 2-6-12)

County of ACCOMACK, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE D Air Guns Alexandria, Virginia Code of Ordinances

For the purpose of this article, the word “air gun” shall mean any air rifle, BB gun, spring gun or similar gun or device for the propulsion of shot or other metal pellet by means of compressed air, mechanical spring action or other mechanical method, but shall not mean a firearm. (Code 1963, Sec. 41-20)

Sec. 13-2-72 Sale, etc., to person under 18 years of age—prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, lend, rent or otherwise transfer an air gun or projectiles therefor to any person whom he knows or has reasonable cause to-believe is under 18 years of age. (Code 1963, Sec. 41-21)

Sec. 13-2-73 Same—false statement of age.
It shall be unlawful for any person falsely to represent himself to be 18 years of age or over in order to obtain an air gun. (Code 1963. Sec. 41-22)

Sec. 13-2-74 Discharge in city—prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge an air-gun within the city. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the council from granting permission for the maintenance of shooting galleries or target ranges under suitable regulations. (Code 1963, Sec. 41-23)

Sec. 13-2-75 Same—transferee to be informed.
Any person who sells, rents or lends an air gun shall inform the person to whom it is transferred that it is unlawful to fire or discharge the air gun within the city. (Code 1963, Sec. 41-24)

CHAPTER 2 Weapons Alexandria, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 13-2-71 Definition.
For the purpose of this article, the word “air gun” shall mean any air rifle, BB gun, spring gun or similar gun or device for the propulsion of shot or other metal pellet by means of compressed air, mechanical spring action or other mechanical method, but shall not mean a firearm. (Code 1963, Sec. 41-20)

County of ALLEGHANY, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.)

ALTAVISTA, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 2. WEAPONS – Altavista, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 46-182.1. – Pneumatic guns.

(a) As used in this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

(b) Pneumatic guns may be used at facilities approved for shooting ranges, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor. Use thereof must be conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. “Reasonable care” means that the gun is being discharged so that the projectile will be contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment, or fence. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care. Minors may use such implements only under the following conditions:

(1) Minors under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use thereof

(2) Minors 16 years of age and older must have the written consent of a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing the use thereof.

(3) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, junior reserve officers training corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of 16 may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

(4) Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use in areas where such facilities are permitted by the town’s zoning ordinance. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

(c) A violation of this section shall constitute a class 3 misdemeanor.
(Ord. of 10-11-2011(2), § 1)

County of AMHERST, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE III. REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT IN AMHERST COUNTY PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Amherst County, Virginia Code of Ordinance

Sec. 12-26. Prohibited uses of parks
C. Weapons. Due to the presence of children and in light of the expectation of safety that county citizens and others have upon entering parks for entertainment and recreational activities, the use or carrying of weapons in county parks is limited as follows:

(1) Only law enforcement officers engaged in professional duties may discharge in any park any pistol, revolver, shotgun, BB gun, air gun, slingshot, bow and arrow, dart device, or other weapon in which the propelling force is gunpowder, a spring, or air.

County of BEDFORD, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

BERRYVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 18 WEAPONS – Berryville, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 18-3. – Discharging air guns.

It shall be unlawful and a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person to discharge an air rifle or air pistol in the town.
(Code 1971, § 18-3)

BIG STONE GAP, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Blacksburg, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Section 14-109. Restrictions on use of firearms, bows and arrows, and similar weapons.

(a) No person shall discharge a firearm of any description within the town. This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of official duties nor to any other person whose said willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law. In addition, this section shall not apply to any otherwise lawful discharge while actually engaged in target practice on ranges or other facilities lawfully established and maintained. It shall also not apply to the use of weapons in hunting as described in section 14-110.5 of this Code, as well as the use of blank ammunition at athletic events, military funerals, theatrical performances or events of similar character.

(b) No person shall use a bow or crossbow within the town, except as permitted by section 14-110.5 of this Code.

(c) No person shall use a pneumatic gun within the town, except: (i) at approved shooting ranges or (ii) on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. Supervision by a parent, guardian or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor below the age of sixteen (16) is required for all uses of pneumatic guns in the town. Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use.

(d) Violations of this section involving firearms shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Violations involving pneumatic guns shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

(e) For purposes of this article, the word firearm shall mean any weapon in which ammunition may be used or discharged by explosion. The word ammunition, as used herein, shall mean a cartridge, pellet, ball, missile or projectile adapted for use in a firearm. The term pneumatic gun means any implement designed as a gun that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. Pneumatic gun includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact. With regard to the use of a pneumatic gun, reasonable care means that the gun is being discharged so that the projectile will be contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment or fence. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care.
(Ord. No. 1563, § 1, 1-12-10; Ord. No. 1611, § 1, 6-14-11

BLACKSTONE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE III. OFFENSES INVOLVING HEALTH AND SAFETY – Blackstone, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 38-46. – Discharge of firearms.

(a) Unlawful; exceptions. Pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865, and except as allowed in subsections (b), (c) and (d) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm, including air-guns, BB guns or similar devices projecting lead or any missiles, all of which are hereby defined as firearms in the town. Such offense shall be punishable as a class 2 misdemeanor.

County of BLAND, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

BRISTOL, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. WEAPONS Bristol, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 62-36. Dangerous missiles.

It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge within the city any bow, or crossbow, loaded with arrow, or dart. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any bow on an archery range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief.

It shall also be unlawful for any person to discharge within the city any slingshot, blowgun, bean shooter or pneumatic gun including but not limited to an air gun, air pistol, gas gun or gas pistol loaded with rock, shot, bullet, or other object. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any gun or pistol on a rifle or pistol range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief. Additionally, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any slingshot, blowgun, bean shooter or pneumatic gun on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

Sec. 62-37. Discharging firearms.

If any person fires off any pistol, gun or other firearm in the city for sport or diversion and not in defense of person, property or home, he shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

This section shall not be construed to prohibit use of any gun or pistol on a rifle or pistol range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief.

Additionally, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any pneumatic gun on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.
(Code 1966, § 29-2; Ord. No. 12.01, 1-10-12)

County of BRUNSWICK, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

BUENA VISTA, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 1. GENERALLY Buena Vista, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 22-63. Pointing or brandishing firearm or object similar in appearance.

(a) The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Ammunition means cartridge, pellet, ball, missile or projectile adapted for use in a firearm.

Firearm means any weapon that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by the action of an explosion of a combustible material.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to point, hold or brandish any firearm or any air- or gas-operated weapon or any object similar in appearance, whether capable of being fired or not, in such manner as to reasonably induce fear in the mind of another or hold a firearm or any air or gas operated weapon in a public place in such a manner as to reasonably induce fear in the mind of another of being shot or injured. However, this section shall not apply to any person engaged in excusable or justifiable self-defense. Persons violating the provisions of this section other than upon any public, private or religious elementary, middle or high school, including buildings and grounds or upon public property within 1,000 feet of such school property, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor

(c) Any police officer, in the performance of his duty in making an arrest under the provisions of this section, shall not be civilly liable in damages for injuries or death resulting to the person being arrested if he had reason to believe that the person being arrested was pointing, holding or brandishing such firearm, or air- or gas-operated weapon or object which was similar in appearance to a firearm, with intent to induce fear in the mind of another. (Code 1967, § 32-2; Code 1981, § 30-1)

Sec. 22-64. Discharging firearms.

If any person shall willfully discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm in any street in the city, or in any place of public business or place of public gathering, or anywhere within the city and such conduct is not otherwise punishable pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280, he shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose said willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law, or on public or private property which consists of a single parcel consisting of nine acres or more, and is undertaken in designated, approved and supervised areas by the owner or his designated responsible agent, area designated by the city manager, and is at least 250 feet from any residential lot.
(Code 1967, § 32-3; Code 1981, § 30-3; Ord. of 9-27-1990)

Sec. 22-65. Discharging air gun, bow, etc.

(a) No person shall, anywhere within the city, discharge an arrow, shot, stone, gravel shooter or any other similar instrument.

(b) Such activities shall not be prohibited if undertaken on public properties such as Glen Maury Park or school grounds and private educational institutions if undertaken in designated, approved and supervised areas designated in writing by the city manager.

(c) Such activities shall not be prohibited on private property if the applicant for such permit is seeking permit for single parcel which consists of nine acres or more and the designated, approved and supervised area designated in writing by the city manager is at least 250 feet from a residential lot.
(Code 1967, § 32-4; Code 1981, § 30-4; Ord. of 9-13-1990; Ord. of 2-17-1994)

COUNTY OF CHARLES CITY, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 33 WEAPONS Charlottesville, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 33-7. Discharge of bows and arrows, pneumatic guns, etc.

(a) No person shall discharge arrows, nails or bullets from a bow or cross-bow in or into any street or other public place, or anywhere within the city discharge shot, gravel, bullets or other similar substances from a sling shot or similar implement. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of bows and arrows on authorized archery ranges.

(b) Pneumatic guns.

(1) As used in this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

(2) Pneumatic guns may be discharged only at facilities approved for shooting ranges, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor. Use thereof must be conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. “Reasonable care” means that the gun is being discharged so that the projectile will be contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment, fence or other physical barrier. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care. Minors may use such implements only under the following conditions:

(i) Minors under the age of sixteen (16) must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use thereof.

(ii) Minors sixteen (16) years of age and older must have the written consent of a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing the use thereof.

(iii) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, junior reserve officers training corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of sixteen (16) may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

(3) Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use in areas where such facilities are permitted by the city’s zoning ordinance. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.
(c) A violation of this section shall constitute a class 3 misdemeanor.
(Code 1976, § 17-34; 11-7-11)

CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. FIREARMS AND WEAPONS Chesapeake, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 46-42. Discharging firearms.

(a) It shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm, spring-propelled rifle or pistol, or air-propelled rifle or pistol from or across any land or water in the northern part of the city beginning at the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach city line at its intersection with Centerville Turnpike, continuing on Centerville Turnpike in a southerly direction to its intersection with Mount Pleasant Road, continuing on Mount Pleasant Road in a westerly direction to its intersection with the railroad tracks, continuing along the railroad tracks extending northward to its intersection with the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, continuing along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway extending westward to its intersection with the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, continuing westward to its intersection with Interstate Route 64 and continuing along such road to its intersection with Interstate Route 664, continuing to its intersection with the Suffolk city line; except, that this prohibition shall not apply to shotguns discharging pellets under the following conditions:

(1) On land that is 50 acres or more of contiguous area; and
(2) Under one ownership and/or lease; and
(3) Used primarily for agricultural or conservation purposes; and
(4) The landowner or lessee has applied for a permit from the chief of police to use the property for this purpose. The permit shall be granted by the chief of police if the application meets the requirements of this section; and
(5) Any person discharging a shotgun as set forth above shall, at all times while engaged in such activity have in his or her possession written permission from the landowner or lessee to discharge such weapon on the premises.
(b) It shall be permissible to discharge firearms, etc., outside the area described in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Any discharge of firearms on any land or water enumerated in subsections (a) or (b) of this section shall be further subject to the provisions that it is unlawful to discharge any firearm, spring-propelled rifle or pistol, or air-propelled rifle or pistol from, on, across or within 150 yards of any building, dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place within the city limits.
(d) This section shall not apply to the operation of a shooting event that is sponsored by an organized group, provided the written approval of the chief of police as to the safety and location of the event is obtained prior to the event.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the firing of firearms, rifles and submachine guns and like weapons by law enforcement agencies and military forces in the city as part of authorized training or in the performance of their duties or to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of life or property or is otherwise specifically authorized by law including, but not limited to, permits issued by the state department of game and inland fisheries to kill certain animals as authorized by state law.
(f) This section shall not apply to the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529 (1950, as amended) on land of at least five acres that is zoned for agricultural use.
(g) It shall be permissible to discharge a firearm pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-519 (1950, as amended) within the area described in subsection (a) of this section where shotguns discharging pellets may be discharged.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, it shall be permissible to discharge pneumatic guns (air-propelled rifles and pistols) at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be lawfully discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-915.4.B.

(Ord. of 11-12-63; Ord. of 6-9-64; Code 1970, § 17-59; Ord. of 11-11-75; Ord. of 10-14-80; Ord. No. 93-O-097, § 17-59, 7-20-93; Ord. No. 93-O-171, § 17-59, 10-19-93; Ord. No. 00-O-088, 7-11-00; Ord. No. 02-O-139, 11-26-02; Ord. No. 04-O-051, 4-13-04; Ord. No. 04-O-169, 12-14-04; Ord. No. 12-O-030, 3-27-12)
State law reference— Discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, §§ 15.2-1113, 18.2-280.

County of CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 14 OFFENSES—MISCELLANEOUS Chesterfield County, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 14-14. Same—Pneumatic guns generally.

(a) The following words and phrases, when used in sections 14-14, 14-15 and 14-16, shall have the following meanings:
Dealer: A person engaged in the business of selling, renting, lending or otherwise transferring pneumatic guns, projectiles, pistols, revolvers or rifles.

Minor: A person under the age of 18 years.
Pneumatic gun: Any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure, including, but not limited to a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact. Weapons classified as firearms are specifically excluded from this definition.
Projectile: A fired or otherwise projected object, such as a bullet, having no capacity for self-propulsion.

(b) No dealer shall sell, lend, rent or otherwise transfer a pneumatic gun, or projectiles for a pneumatic gun, to any person whom the dealer knows or has reasonable cause to believe to be a minor.

(c) No person shall give, sell, rent, lend or otherwise transfer any pneumatic gun, or projectiles for a pneumatic gun, to a minor, unless the relationship of parent and child, guardian and ward or adult instructor and pupil exists between the person and the minor.

(d) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00.
(Code 1978, § 12-177; Ord. of 9-21-05(2), § 1)

Sec. 14-15. Same—Discharging pneumatic guns across highways, etc.

(a) No person shall discharge any pneumatic gun on or across any street, sidewalk, alley, public road or public land of the county except on a properly constructed shooting range or on other property where firearms may be discharged. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the use of pneumatic guns on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

(b) Commercial or private areas designated for use a pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use if in compliance with all other applicable laws or regulations. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

(c) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00.
(Code 1978, § 15.1-23.1; Ord. of 9-21-05(2), § 1; Ord. of 8-24-11(3), § (1))

Sec. 14-16. Same—Discharge of pneumatic guns by minors.

(a) No minor shall discharge any pneumatic gun outdoors within 300 feet of the dwelling of another, a business establishment, private building, public gathering or public meeting place, unless the minor is accompanied by his parent or guardian, or otherwise supervised in accordance with this section.

(b) Any minor below the age of 16 who uses pneumatic guns on private or public property shall be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian.

(c) Minors the age of 16 or older may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun at any place designated for such use by the county or on private property with the consent of the owner.

(d) Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use.

(e) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of 16 may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the department of defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

(g) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00.
(Code 1978, § 15.1-23.3; Ord. of 9-21-05(2), § 1; Ord. of 8-24-11(3), § (1))

Sec. 14-17. Same—Minors possessing loaded firearms or carrying firearms in certain cases.

(a) No person under 18 years of age shall carry any firearm on the streets, alleys, public roads or public lands of the county unless accompanied by his parent or guardian.

(b) No person under the age of 18 years shall carry or have in his possession while in any public place or upon any public highway a loaded firearm. This subsection (b) shall not apply to a minor (i) in his own home or the curtilage of his home, (ii) while lawfully defending persons or property, (iii) engaged in lawful hunting, or (iv) engaged in marksmanship practice at lawfully established ranges.

(c) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00 and the firearm shall be subject to forfeiture to the commonwealth, pursuant to the provisions of Code of Virginia, § 18.2-310, as amended.
(Code 1978, § 15.1-23.5)

COLONIAL BEACH, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 22 WEAPONS Colonial Beach, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 22-4. Discharging gravel shooter, air gun, etc.

(a) No person shall discharge, within the corporate limits of the town, shot, gravel, pellets or any similar substance from a gravel shooter, air gun, air rifle or any similar implement.

(b) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 1)
Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-10.

COVINGTON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of CULPEPER, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of CUMBERLAND, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

DANVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. AIR GUNS Danville, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 40-16. Definitions.

For the purposes of this article, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

Air gun. The term “air gun” means any rifle, pistol or other gun, by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of compressed air or gas, or by the action of a spring or elastic, but it does not mean a firearm.

Dealer. The word “dealer” means any person engaged in the business of selling at retail or renting air guns.
Minor. The word “minor” means any person under the age of eighteen (18) years.
(Code 1962, § 17-5.1)

Sec. 40-17. Discharge of air gun, blow gun, gravel shooter, etc.
No person shall shoot any air gun, blow gun, gravel shooter, slingshot or any other type of missile-throwing device, which is capable of doing injury to persons or property, at any place within the City. A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to the following:

(1) Any ROTC student who is required to shoot an air gun or pellet gun as part of his training; provided, this is done in the presence of, and under the supervision of, the ROTC instructor and/or his assistant at a site designated for this purpose by said instructor and approved by the Chief of Police.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any person may shoot a BB gun, commonly referred to as the Classic Daisy or similar BB gun, which is designed and manufactured to permit only one (1) pump per shot; provided, however, that it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge such a BB gun from or across any street, sidewalk, alley or public road within the limits of the City or on or across any public land. The projectile from any such gun cannot leave the private property on which it was discharged.
(Code 1962, § 17-5.2; Ord. No. 93-1.7, 1-5-93)

Sec. 40-18. Sale, loan, etc., to minors.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any dealer to sell, lend, rent or otherwise transfer an air gun to any person whom the dealer knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, to be a minor.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to give, lend or otherwise transfer any air gun to a minor, except where the relationship of parent and child, guardian and ward or adult instructor and pupil exists between such person and the minor.
(Code 1962, § 17-5.2)

Sec. 40-19. Misrepresentation of minor’s age for purpose of obtaining.
It shall be unlawful for any person to falsely represent himself or any other person as being over eighteen (18) years of age in order to purchase or otherwise obtain an air gun.
(Code 1962, § 17-5.4)

Sec. 40-20. Possession by minors on streets or public lands.
It shall be unlawful for any minor to carry or have in his possession any air gun on the streets, alleys, public roads or public lands within the City, unless such minor is accompanied by an adult. This section shall not apply to the carrying of an unloaded air gun in a suitable case or securely wrapped.
(Code 1962, § 17-5.2)

County of DINWIDDIE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

DUMFRIES, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. WEAPONS – Dumfries, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 38-46. Discharge of firearms or air guns; hunting; trapping.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person willfully to discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm in this town.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or trap, or to use or shoot an air rifle, BB gun or like pistol or gun in the town.
(c) This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties, or to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.
(Code 1990, § 10-31)

EMPORIA, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. WEAPONS Emporia, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 50-62. Discharging gravel shooters, air guns, or similar implements; bow and arrow.
It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or discharge any shot, stone, gravel, bullet or any other similar thing from a gravel shooter, air gun or similar implement, or bow and arrow. Participants in the Urban Archery Season are excluded from this provision.
(Code 1972, § 14-73; Ord. No. 04-36, § 1, 9-21-04)

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 1. GENERALLY – Fairfax, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 54-173. – Use of pneumatic guns, slingshots.

No person shall use within the city any instrument, including, but not limited to, a pneumatic gun, slingshot or other similar instrument, for projecting missiles liable to do any injury to persons, property or wildlife. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer or animal control officer in discharging his duties. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person using pneumatic guns on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. If any person violates the provisions of this section relating to pneumatic guns, such person shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

As used in this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
(Code 1978, § 25-3; Ord. No. 2012-02, § (3), 1-10-2012)
State law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4.

County of FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE 1. In General. Fairfax County, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Section 6-1-1. Definitions

Pneumatic gun means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure; it includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

Section 6-1-2.1. Discharge of pneumatic guns in certain places prohibited; exceptions.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot a pneumatic gun in any areas of the County that are so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants thereof, which areas are designated in Appendix J to the Fairfax County Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following acts are not prohibited by this Section:

(1) Use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges;
(2) Use of pneumatic guns on other property where firearms may be discharged;
(3) Use of pneumatic guns on or within private property with the permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property;
(4) Shooting or discharge of a pneumatic gun by any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of the duties of a law enforcement agency. For the purposes of this Section the term “law enforcement officer” includes any person defined as a law enforcement officer pursuant to Virginia Code § 9.1-101 and any animal control officer acting in the performance of his or her duty; and
(5) Shooting or discharge of a pneumatic gun by any representative of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in the performance of duty for scientific collection or wildlife management purposes.
(b) Whenever any minor below the age of 16 uses any pneumatic gun, the minor must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by the minor’s parent or guardian. Any minor using any pneumatic gun shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use at all times. Violation of this Section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor. (21-94-6; 39-96-6, § 1; 24-04-6; 20-11-6; 31-11-6.)

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE VI. OFFENSES AGAINST THE PEACE AND GOOD ORDER Falls Church, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 28-151. Willfully discharging weapons in public places.
It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm, bean-shooter, slingshot, bow or crossbow, air rifle, BB gun, spring gun or similar gun or device for the propulsion of shot or other metal pellet by means of compressed air, mechanical spring action or other mechanical method, in any public street or in any place of public business or place of public gathering. This section shall not apply to the discharge or shooting off of such firearm, bean-shooter, slingshot, bow or crossbow, rifle, pistol or shotgun in or upon a range or course, or similar facility when such range or course or similar facility has been approved in writing by the chief of police or designee as presenting no danger to persons, or to the property of others; and provided, further, that this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of the official duties of such law enforcement officer, nor to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of the life or property of that person, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.
(Code 1973, § 24-45; Code 1982, § 22-46; Ord. No. 948)

FARMVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 18 OFFENSES—MISCELLANEOUS – Farmville, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 18-35. – Projectiles; throwing, shooting.
It shall be unlawful for any person to throw any projectile from any sling, catapult or air gun or to shoot an arrow with any bow or crossbow upon any street, alley or other public place.
(Code 1973, § 18-37)

County of FAUQUIER, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. FIREARMS AND HUNTING Fauquier County, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 15-13. Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them thereby, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

Firearm. Any gun, firearm, rifle, shotgun, pistol, air gun, air rifle, BB gun, pellet gun or similar devices, designed to expel a projectile through a gun barrel of any length by means of explosives or expansion or release of compressed air or gas.

Pneumatic gun. Any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact (Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91; Ord. No. 11-7, 11-10-11)

Sec. 15-14. Discharge of firearm within one hundred yards of occupied structure.

It shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within one hundred (100) yards of any regularly occupied structure without advance permission of the owner or occupant.
(Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91; Ord. No. 11-7, 11-10-11)

Sec. 15-15. Exceptions.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, firearms may be used in any prohibited area in the following circumstances:

(1) The discharge of a firearm on any commercial target, trap or skeet range or hunting preserve lawfully existing under the Zoning Ordinance of Fauquier County upon the adoption of this article.
(2) The discharge of a firearm on any target or rifle range established and operated by the police or law enforcement department.
(3) The discharge of a firearm in a private basement or cellar target range.
(4) The discharge of a firearm in defense of one’s life or to kill any dangerous or destructive wild animal.
(5) The discharge of a firearm by any duly authorized peace officer or law enforcement official acting in the proper performance of his duties.
(6) The discharge of blank cartridges in theatrical performances, sporting events or the firing of salutes, at military funerals or other military affairs.
(7) The discharge of a pneumatic gun on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. For the purpose of this subsection, the discharge of a projectile across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care.
(Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91; Ord. No. 11-7, 11-10-11)

Sec. 15-16. Penalties.
Violation of any provision of section 15-14 of this article shall be a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by confinement in jail for not more than six (6) months, and a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), either or both.
(Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91)

Sec. 15-17. Carrying of loaded firearms on public highways.
It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession while on any part of a public highway within the county a loaded firearm when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking. The penalty for violation of this section shall not exceed a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00). The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles, nor to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property.
(Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91)

Sec. 15-18. Hunting, trapping or attempting to hunt along county roads.
(a) It shall be unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt with any firearm, any wild bird or wild animal while the person hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within one hundred (100) yards of any primary or secondary highway in this county. It shall also be unlawful to trap or attempt to trap any game animal or furbearer within fifty (50) feet of the shoulder of any primary or secondary highway in the county without the expressed written permission of the landowner.
(b) The terms “hunt or attempt to hunt” and “trap or attempt to trap” shall not include the necessary crossing of such restricted area for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a hunting or trapping area.
(c) The possession of or immediate control by any person while within the restricted area, whether in or upon a motor vehicle or not, of a loaded rifle or shotgun shall be prima facie evidence of attempting to hunt. In addition, the possession of or immediate control by any person, while within fifty (50) feet of the shoulder of any primary or secondary highway in the county, or set, baited or staked, traps, or similar devices used to trap any game animal or furbearer shall be prima facie evidence of attempting to trap.
(d) The violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91)

Chapter 16 PUBLIC PARKS Fauquier County, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 16-7. Firearms, knives, weapons, fireworks and explosives.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person except a duly authorized law enforcement officer to have in his possession in any park any BB gun, air gun, slingshot, bow and arrow, or dart device, or to discharge any pistol, revolver, shotgun, BB gun, air gun, slingshot, bow and arrow or dart device or other weapon in which the propelling force is gunpowder, a spring or air.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to use, discharge, or have in his possession any fireworks, firecrackers, explosives or rockets of any kind, except for properly supervised, parks and recreation department-sponsored activity in designated areas at designated times.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to use, carry or have in his possession any knife with a blade of more than three (3) inches except where such knife is necessary for preparation of food within any park.
(Ord. No. 99-1, 2-16-99; Ord. No. 03-04, 7-21-03; Ord. No. 09-07, 10-8-09; Ord. No. 11-4, 6-9-11

FLOYD COUNTY, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 31 WEAPONS – Franklin, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 31-5. – Discharging gravel shooter, air gun, etc.

No person shall discharge, within the corporate limits of the city, shot, gravel, pellets or any similar substance from a gravel shooter, air gun or any similar implement.
(Code 1962, § 31-3)

County of FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 54 MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES Fredericksburg, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 54-6. Use of air rifles, slingshots and similar devices.
It shall be a class 3 misdemeanor for any person to use any slingshot, pneumatic gun, air rifle, BB gun, etc., or similar device within the city limits, except as may be permitted under the provisions of section

54-7. However, nothing herein shall prohibit the use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges, or other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

As used herein, “pneumatic gun” means any implement designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure, including any paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
(Code 1991, § 13-9; Ord. No. 11-27, § I, 9-27-2011)

County of GLOUCESTER, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of GOOCHLAND, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

GORDONSVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of GREENE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

GREENSVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of HALIFAX, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

HAMPTON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Sec. 40-16. – Possession by certain minors.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of fourteen (14) years to have in his possession any air gun, spring gun, pellet gun or similar implement, unless such person under the age of fourteen (14) years is accompanied by his parent, guardian or other capable adult.

(b) A violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00), and the air gun, spring gun, pellet gun or similar implement possessed in violation hereof may be confiscated by the court.
(Code 1964, § 27.1-58; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 1074, 1-27-93; Ord. No. 1107, 10-13-93; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07)

County of HANOVER, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE C. DANGEROUS USE OF FIREARMS OR OTHER WEAPONS Harrisonburg, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 16-6-36. Gravel shooters, air guns, slingshots, etc.
No person shall within the city shoot any air gun, gravel shooter, slingshot or any other type of missile-throwing device on which is capable of doing injury to persons or property.
(Code 1973, § 19-18)

HAYMARKET, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Haymarket, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 30-8. Discharging firearms, pneumatic guns, slingshots, grit shooters, bows and arrows, etc.

(a) If any person shall willfully discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm in the town, he shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law. The term “firearm” means any weapon that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by the action of an explosion of a combustible material; or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.

(b) No person shall discharge or use in the town any non-explosive weapon defined as a pneumatic gun (e.g. paintball gun, BB gun, pellet gun, etc.), slingshot, grit shooter, bow and arrow, or any other non- explosive device designed or intended to be used to launch or shoot projectiles, where such discharge or use is likely to do or cause injury to any person or property. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the use of non-explosive weapons by adults, minors under the age of 16 with the supervision of a parent or guardian, or minors over the age of 16 with the written consent of a parent or guardian shall not be prohibited at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be lawfully discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from causing injury to any person or property.
(Ord. No. 20130107, § 1, 1-7-2013)

County of HENRICO, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. PARK RULES Henrico County, Virginia Code of Ordinances
14-41. Dangerous devices.

No person, other than any law enforcement officer, firefighter or county security officer in the course of his respective employment, shall have in his possession, in any park, any air or gas-powered gun, slingshot, bow and arrow, crossbow, dart device, boomerang or any other device, other than a firearm, designed for high-speed missile projection, except in areas designated and posted by the county as areas in which one or more of these devices are permitted for recreational use.
(Code 1980, § 15.1-8; Code 1995, § 14-41; Ord. No. 1040, § 1, 2-25-2003; Ord. No. 1070, § 1, 8-10-2004)
Cross reference— Weapons, § 13-61 et seq.

County of HENRY, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

HERNDON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. FIREARMS, CROSSBOWS, AND PNEUMATIC GUNS Herndon, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 46-59. Pneumatic guns.

(a) It is prohibited to shoot a pneumatic gun in all areas of the town, except as set out in the next sentence, because in the town council’s opinion the town is so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants thereof. This subsection shall not apply to the shooting or use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with the permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

(b) Any minor below the age of 16 in all uses of pneumatic guns on private or public property must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian. Minors 16 years of age or older may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun on private property with the consent of the owner. Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use.

(c) Violation of this section shall constitute a class 4 misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 12-O-11, § 2, 7-10-2012)

County of ISLE OF WIGHT, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

KILMARNOCK, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of KING AND QUEEN, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of KING GEORGE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of KING WILLIAM, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES – King William County, Virginia – Code of Ordinances

Sec. 46-35. – Dangerous devices.
No person other than any law enforcement officer, emergency service person, or county employed security guard in the course of their respective employment shall have in his possession in any park any slingshot, bow and arrow, crossbow, dart device, boomerang, fireworks, or any other device for high speed missile projection, except in areas designated by the county and with the written permission of the county.

The possession, carrying, storage or transporting of pneumatic guns or firearms and ammunition or components or combination thereof is permitted. No person other than any law enforcement officer, emergency service person, or county employed security guard in the course of their respective employment shall discharge in any park any firearm or other gun, including an air-powered or gas-powered gun except in areas designated by the county and with the written permission of the director. Violators of this section, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(Ord. of 3-26-1992, § 9-74; Ord. No. O12-01, 2-27-2012)

County of LANCASTER, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

LAWRENCEVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 2. WEAPONS – Lawrenceville, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 58-231. – Discharging gravel shooters, air-guns, or similar implements. of content

(a) Any person who shall, anywhere within the town, throw or discharge any shot, stone, gravel, bullet or any other similar thing from a gravel shooter, air gun or similar implement, or bow and arrow, shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

(b) Any person who shall shoot an air rifle or BB gun or firearm of any kind in the town shall forfeit the same to the town on order of the court.

(c) Air rifles, BB guns and firearms at the discretion and order of the court shall be returned to the owner, or destroyed or delivered to the law enforcement officers of the town for use in the discharge of their duties, or be sold at auction.
(Code 1983, § 10-248)

LEESBURG, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 2. WEAPONS Leesburg, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 24-158. Discharging slingshots, air guns, arrows, etc.

(a) No person shall discharge or use any slingshot, slung, gravel shooter, bow, crossbow or similar implement on public property without the approval of the town manager. No person shall discharge or use any, bow, cross-bow or similar implement on private property without the approval of the town manager. Such approvals shall be given upon a showing that public safety will not be endangered.

(b) No person shall discharge a pneumatic gun within the town on public property.

(c) Pneumatic guns may be used on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof and when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing bounds of the property. Supervision by a parent, guardian or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor below the age of 16 is required for all uses of pneumatic guns in the town. Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use. Reasonable care shall mean that the pneumatic gun is being discharged so that the projectile will be contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment or fence. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care.

(d) For purposes of this article, this regulation incorporates the provisions of Code of Virginia § 15.2-915.4.
(Code 1963, §§ 24-3, 24-4; Code 1976, § 20-4; Ord. No. 86-0-37, § 1, 7-23-1986; Ord. No. 2011-O-013, § III, 6-14-2011)

County of LOUISA, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of LUNENBURG, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

LURAY, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. WEAPONS – Luray, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 58-32. – Discharging slingshot, etc.

It shall be unlawful and a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person to discharge or use any sling, slingshot, gravel shooter, or similar implement.
(Code 1965, § 28-2; Code 1981, § 21-6; Ord. of 10-25-2011(6), § 1)

Editor’s note—
Ord. of 10-25-2011(6), § 1, did not specifically amend the title of this section. At the editor’s discretion, the previous title, Discharging slingshot, air gun, etc., was amended as herein set out to reflect that air guns are no longer included in the amended text of the section.

Sec. 58-35. – Pneumatic gun.

(a) The term “pneumatic gun” shall include any implement designed as a gun that will expel a BB, pellet, paintball, or other similar projectile by action of pneumatic pressure.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot a pneumatic gun in any manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the projectile upon the property of another, or in any manner conducted without reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property of another, without permission from the owner or tenant of such other property.

(c) The shooting of a pneumatic gun on private or public property shall require supervision by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor below the age of 16.

(d) In any commercial or private area where pneumatic paintball guns are operated, the owner or tenant of such property shall provide the participants with equipment designed to protect their faces, eyes and ears, and shall post signs warning against entry into the area by persons who are not protected by such equipment, or are unaware that pneumatic paintball guns are in use.

(e) Any violation of this section shall be a Class 4 Misdemeanor.
(Ord. of 10-25-201(2), § 1)

MANASSAS, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

MANASSAS PARK, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 26 WEAPONS Manassas Park, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 26-5. Discharging of pneumatic guns, slingshots, grit shooters, bows and arrows, etc.

(a) No person shall discharge or use in the city any non-explosive weapon (i.e., not a firearm, as defined in section 26-3 above), where such discharge or use is likely to do or cause injury to any person or property. For purposes of this chapter 26, the term “non-explosive weapon” means a pneumatic gun (e.g., paintball gun, BB gun, pellet gun, etc.), slingshot, grit shooter, bow and arrow or other non-explosive device designed or intended to be used to launch or shoot projectiles.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in subsection (a) above, the use of non-explosive weapons shall not be prohibited at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be lawfully discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.
(Code 1971, § 30-3; Ord. No. 12-1700-914, § 1, 11-1-11)

MARION, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 46 OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Marion, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 46-12. Discharge of firearms and other weapons

(b) Discharging pneumatic gun.
(1) No person shall, anywhere within the Town of Marion, discharge a shot, stone, gravel, BB, pellet, paintball, or similar object from a pneumatic gun, or other similar instrument except as authorized by this article. For the purpose of this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement designed as a gun that will expel a BB, pellet, paintball, or similar object by action of pneumatic pressure.
(2) No person under the age of 16 shall use a pneumatic gun in areas designated as so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants thereof or in areas not so designated without being under the direct supervision by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor below the age of 16 in all uses of pneumatic guns on private or public property. Minors above the age of 16 may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun on private property with the consent of the owner. The minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use.
(3) The use of pneumatic guns is allowed at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. Shooting ranges shall be certified by the National Rifle Association, the Commonwealth of Virginia or a federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges.
(4) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of 16 may be done without direct supervision of the minor’s parent or guardian, if the training is approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Instructors shall be certified by the National Rifle Association, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify instructors.

(5) Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

(6) As used in this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

(7) The penalty for a pneumatic gun offense set forth in this section shall be a class 3 misdemeanor.

MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 24 WEAPONS – Martinsville, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 24-5. – Discharge of air guns, gravel shooters, etc.

No person shall shoot any air gun, gravel shooter, slingshot or any other type of missile-throwing device, which is capable of doing injury to persons or property, at any place within the city. A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to the following:

(1) Any ROTC student who is required to shoot an air gun or pellet gun as part of his training; providing this is done in the presence of, and under the supervision of, the ROTC instructor and/or his assistant at a site designated for this purpose by said instructor and approved by the chief of police.

(2) Any person who shoots any missile-throwing device, such as the air gun, pellet gun or archery equipment, in the presence of, and under the supervision of, the operator, owner or designee of a facility designed for such use and approved by the chief of police.
(Code 1971, § 11-3; Ord. No. 86-7, 9-25-86; Ord. No. 90-11, 7-24-90)
Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

County of MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

Mount Jackson, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of NELSON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of NEW KENT, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE XXII. SITE PLANS; PERFORMANCE STANDARDS New Kent County, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 98-873. Specific conditions applicable to public

a. A written list of the current range rules shall be prominently posted throughout the facility and filed with the department of community development. The operator of the range will require that each new user sign and date a copy of the range rules, stating that the user agrees to abide by such rules.

b. A safety plan, meeting at the minimum the safety standards set forth in the National Rifle Association (NRA) Range Source Book, or its equivalent, shall be created for any range operation. Said plan shall be submitted for review to the sheriff and fire chief (or the director of public safety if appointed). Amendments to safety plans shall be reviewed prior to implementation. The safety plan shall address such items as the required certification of instructors and range masters, supervision of patrons, type of targets and methods of use, use of protective eyewear and equipment, and other similar operational requirements.

c. Typical safety equipment for the type of shooting practiced at the range facility shall be required to be worn by all participants or spectators when in the vicinity of a shooting range. Signage shall be posted and shall conform to OSHA safety signage regulations.

d. Being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs which impair judgment or motor control on range property is prohibited.

e. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on range property during range operations.

f. The decibel limit at the property line of the range facility shall coincide with the appropriate standards set forth in the NRA Range Source Book.

g. The range facility operator shall report in writing to the sheriff all known on-site and off-site projectile wounds and off-site property damage resulting from activity at the range facility and any measures that are proposed to address any deficiencies that may have contributed to the wounds or damages. The report shall be made within 24 hours after the existence of the projectile wound or damages become known to the operator.

h. All shooting stations will be designed so they are directed away from all existing residential uses and residentially-zoned properties and all shooting of projectiles will occur only in a direction away from such existing uses and properties.

i. In the construction of new safety features at existing ranges, county zoning, environmental, and building fees will be waived by the county provided a written request is presented to, and approved by, the department of community development prior to construction.

j. For outdoor ranges, warning signs shall be posted at 100-foot intervals along the entire perimeter. Each sign shall include warning language along with a visual warning icon and shall comply with OSHA’s danger and warning sign requirements.

k. Any indoor shooting range shall be designed to contain all projectiles fired.

l. All other state and federal safety regulations shall be followed.

m. Hours of operation for outdoor ranges shall not begin before 7:00 a.m. or sunrise, whichever is later, and shall end no later than 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, or such fewer hours as may specified by the issuance of a conditional use permit.
n. Copies of all current certificates of insurance shall be provided annually to the county.

(3) Standards for shotgun, pistol, rifle and air gun ranges
a. Outdoor ranges.
1. Discharge of firearms outdoors during Sunday hours shall not be permitted unless specifically authorized by the issuance of a conditional use permit.
2. A three-sided earthen berm or other similar structure providing at least the equivalent safety must surround all firearms ranges so as to prevent the escape of projectiles. Overhead baffles must also be in place to prevent the escape of projectiles. All containment structures must be in accordance with the standards set forth in the NRA Range Source Book.
3. Noise abatement barriers equal to or better than the NRA guidelines set forth in the NRA Range Source Book shall be utilized and shall appear on the site plan.
4. When any part of an outdoor range encompasses water, wetland and Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas, no lead bullets or shot shall be used. If steel shot is required, shot no larger than number six shall be allowed. If the state approves an alternative to steel shot, it shall be allowed, but shot shall be no larger than number six.
5. Ranges for shotgun slugs, rifles, and pistols must install a rubber membrane or similar catching device shall be installed to prevent lead runoff.
6. Spent bullets, bullet waste, and slugs shall be retrieved from outdoor ranges at least once a year.

b.Indoor ranges.
1. A ventilation system that complies with the OSHA standards for lead dust dissipation shall be installed and annually inspected.
2. Regular cleaning of the facility shall be performed so as to minimize the impact of lead dust.
3. Other lead monitoring and control actions shall be performed as stated in the NRA Range Source Book.

(4) Standards for combat-style firearm ranges.
a. All combat-style firearm ranges shall require a range master to be present at all times of operation.
b. All combat-style firearm ranges shall be cold ranges.
c. All combat-style firearm ranges shall be designed to contain all bullets fired within the property.
d. The applicable standards for outdoor or indoor shotgun, pistol, rifle, and air gun ranges apply to combat-style firearm ranges.

NEW MARKET, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Newport News, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 43-1. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
Pneumatic gun. The term “pneumatic gun” shall mean any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
(Ord. No. 265, §§ 1, 12; Ord. No. 1213, § 1; Code 1961, §§ 42-1, 42-4; Ord. No. 6043-04, § 1; Ord. No. 6882-12, § 2)

Sec. 43-10. Pneumatic guns.
(a) Pneumatic guns may be used at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with the permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof. Such use must be conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.
(b) Minors may use pneumatic guns under the following conditions:

(1) Minors under the age of sixteen (16) must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian in all uses of pneumatic guns.

(2) Minors sixteen (16) years of age or older may use pneumatic guns with the written consent of a parent or guardian.

(3) Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use of pneumatic guns.

(4) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors sixteen (16) years of age or older may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

(c) Commercial or private areas designated for the use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use in areas where such facilities are permitted by the city’s zoning ordinance. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

(d) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 265, § 6; Code 1961, § 42-6; Ord. No. 3284-85; Ord. No. 6882-12, § 2)

Sec. 43-11. Exceptions.
(a) Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the use of firearms in self-defense, if such use is not otherwise contrary to existing law, or the use of firearms by any police officer, city sheriff, deputy sheriff or conservator of the peace, or to prohibit the discharge of blank cartridges in theatrical performances or sporting events or to prohibit the firing of salutes by firing squads at law enforcement and military funerals held at a cemetery or place of worship.
(b) Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the shooting of firearms within the city on a gunnery range or in a shooting area operated in accord with article II of this chapter.
(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the discharge of blank cartridges by a nationally recognized veterans group and federal or state military representatives, in the commemoration of any state or national holiday, if written notice identifying the time, date, location and description of the intended discharge has been provided to the chief of police at least five (5) days prior to the event.
(d) Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the discharge of pyrotechnic bird scaring devices for dispersing birds and wildlife pests, provided that each use is first approved by the chief of police or his designee who may impose restrictions on the time, manner and use of such devices, and provided further, that the Peninsula Airport Commission and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism need not obtain such approval prior to using the devices.
(e) Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the killing of deer pursuant to § 29.1-529 of the Code of Virginia, on a parcel of land of at least five (5) acres that is zoned for agricultural use.
(Ord. No. 265, §§ 3, 7; Code 1961, §§ 42-8, 42-10; Ord. No. 5364-99, § 1; Ord. No. 5428-00; Ord. No. 6292-06; Ord. No. 6882-12, § 2)

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

NORTON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE IV. WEAPONS – Norton, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 14-139. – Throwing stones, etc., or discharging bow, gravel shooter or air gun.

(a) No person shall throw stones, sticks or other dangerous missiles or discharge arrows, nails or bullets from a bow or crossbow in any street or anywhere within the city limits discharge shot, gravel, bullets or other similar substances from a gravel shooter, air gun or similar implement.
(b) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(Code 1975, § 13-12)

Sec. 14-141. – Sale, barter, etc., of toy firearms.
(a) No person shall sell, barter, exchange, furnish or dispose of, by purchase, gift or in any other manner, any toy gun, pistol, rifle or other toy firearm, if the same shall, by means of powder or other explosive, discharge blank or ball charges. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Each sale of any of the articles hereinbefore specified to any person shall constitute a separate offense.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the sale of what are commonly known as cap pistols.
(Ord. of 11-16-82(3), § 60)
Cross reference— Penalty for Class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

ORANGE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 2. WEAPONS – Petersburg, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 74-202. – Sale, delivery, etc., of toy firearms discharging blank or ball charges.

(a) No person shall sell, barter, exchange, furnish or dispose of, by purchase, gift or in any other manner, any toy gun, pistol, rifle or other toy firearm, if the toy gun, pistol, rifle or other toy firearm shall, by means of power or other explosive, discharge blank or ball charges. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor. Each sale of any of the articles specified in this section to any person shall constitute a separate offense.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the sale of what are commonly known as cap pistols.
(Code 1981, § 39-3)

Sec. 74-203. – Furnishing certain weapons to minors; penalty.
If any person sells, barters, gives or furnishes, or causes to be sold, bartered, given or furnished, to any minor a dirk, switchblade knife or bowie knife, having good cause to believe him to be a minor, such person shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.
(Code 1981, § 39-4)

Sec. 74-210. – Grit shooters, air guns, etc.
(a) Discharging. Any person who shall, anywhere within the corporate limits of the city, discharge any shot, gravel, bullet or other similar substance from a grit shooter, air gun, slingshot or similar implement shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.
(b) Carrying in public street. Any person who shall carry in the public streets any grit shooter, air gun, sling or anything of like kind, which is generally used for shooting or slinging grit, gravel, stone or any other things, shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.
(Code 1981, §§ 39-10, 39-11)

POQUOSON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 3. WEAPONS – Poquoson, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 54-201. – Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Air gun means any CO2 gun, air rifle, air pistol, pellet gun, or similar gun or device for the propulsion of any shot or other metal pellet by means of compressed gas, mechanical spring action or other mechanical means or by means of any combination thereof.

Sec. 54-206. – Discharge of air guns, spring guns and firearms generally.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge an air gun, spring gun or firearm from land or any boat, barge, skiff, or other similar vessel along, across or toward, or within 300 yards of any paved public street, highway or road or any building in the city.
(b) The discharge or use of a rifle, except for a .22 caliber rim fire, is hereby prohibited within the city limits.
(c) The use of muzzle-loading rifles during the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of game species is permitted in the city; provided, however, that the use of such muzzle-loading rifle shall be only from a stand located at least ten feet in elevation above the ground; provided, however, that the requirement that the use of such muzzle-loading rifle be from a stand located at least ten feet in elevation above the ground shall be expressly inapplicable to all legally handicapped persons.
(d) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 1309, §§ 1, 2, 9-22-2008)

PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE III. WEAPONS Portsmouth, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 24-72. Sale, gift, etc., of air rifles to minors.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to purchase for or sell, lease, give or lend to any minor an air rifle.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any parent, guardian or other person having the care, control or custody of a minor knowingly to permit or suffer such minor to own, use or have in his possession within the city an air rifle. The fact that a minor is found with, or is proven to have had, in his possession, an air rifle shall be prima facie evidence that the parent, guardian or other person having control of such minor did knowingly permit or suffer the minor to own, use or have in his possession an air rifle.
(c) A violation of this section shall be punishable as a class 4 misdemeanor.
(Code 1973, § 21-39; Code 1988, § 24-82)
Cross reference— Penalty for class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

County of POWHATAN, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

COUNTY OF PRINCE EDWARD, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of PRINCE GEORGE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of PRINCE WILLIAM, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. FIREARMS CONTROL Prince William County, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 31-21. Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them thereby, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

Firearm/gun shall mean any rifle, shotgun, pistol, air gun, air rifle, BB gun, pellet gun or similar devices, designed to expel a projectile through a gun barrel of any length by means of explosives or expansion or release of compressed air or gas.

Permittee shall mean any person with written permission to be present on property owned by another.
(Ord. No. 81-28-34, § 19A-1, 10-6-81)

ARTICLE II. PARK REGULATIONS Prince William County, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 17-42. Carrying or discharging weapons.
The discharging, in any park, of any firearm, air gun, gas gun, spring operated gun, BB gun, slingshot, dart device or bow and arrow is prohibited, except as specifically authorized by the County Executive or his/her designee for purposes of this section in connection with a supervised recreational activity or except as may be carried by a duly authorized law enforcement officer. A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(Code 1965, § 13.2-17; Ord. No. 04-39, 6-22-04, effective 7-1-04; Ord. No. 12-27, Attch., 6-5-12, effective 7-1-12)

PULASKI, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. BIRD SANCTUARY – Pulaski, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 14-42. – Killing of birds.

It shall be unlawful for any person to kill a songbird or game bird within the town with any gun, pistol or other firearm, air rifle, BB gun, gravel shooter, bow and arrow, slingshot, or any other similar device.

PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL – Purcellville, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 46-14. – Hunting; discharge of firearms or air rifles.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt game in the corporate limits of the town.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to fire or discharge a gun, rifle, air rifle, pistol or any other firearm in the corporate limits of the town, without a special permit from the chief of police.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot a bow, compound bow or crossbow at or upon the property of another without permission.
(d) Each violation of this section shall be a class 1 misdemeanor.
(e) This section shall not apply to law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties and shall not apply to an act that is justifiable or excusable at law in protection of life or property.
(f) This section shall also not apply to any otherwise lawful discharge of a firearm:

(1) On established and approved shooting ranges;
(2) On any target or rifle range established and operated by any law enforcement agency;
(3) In a private basement or cellar target range;
(4) With blank cartridges in theatrical performances, sporting events or in the firing of solutes at military funerals or other military ceremonies.

(g) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, on recommendations from the chief of police and approval by the council, limited hunting may be allowed to control the animal population.
(Code 1977, § 12-16; Ord. No. 08-12-01, 2-10-2009)

RADFORD, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 70 OFFENSES—MISCELLANEOUS Radford, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 70-39. Same—Discharging shot, etc., from gravel shooter, air gun, etc. of content

No person shall discharge anywhere within the corporate limits of the city any shot, gravel, bullets or similar substance from a gravel shooter, air gun or any similar implement.
(Code 1975, § 14-33; Code 1992, § 14-39)

Sec. 70-41. Same—Discharge or shooting of firearms, air or gas operated weapons, bows, and crossbows prohibited; exception; penalties for violation.

(a) Subject to the exceptions set forth in this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or shoot any firearms, or air operated or gas operated firearms or weapons, bows or crossbows or to use such weapons inside the city limits of the city; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties, nor to any person whose act in doing so is otherwise legally justifiable or excusable in the protection of life or property, or is specifically otherwise authorized by law; and provided further that such prohibition shall not apply to firing ranges or shooting matches or bow and arrow or crossbow contests maintained and/or supervised with the prior approval of the chief of police, nor to activities of military personnel of the United States in the performance of their duties.

(b) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to the discharge or shooting of firearms, air operated or gas operated firearms or weapons, or to bows or crossbows when the same are discharged or shot during theatrical, artistic, historical, sporting or other similar events not heretofore mentioned as to which the prior approval of the chief of police has been obtained.

(c) Anyone violating this section shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Code of Virginia, § 18.2-11, as amended.

(d) The provisions of this section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other provision of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 1166, § 14-34.1, 12-27-88; Code 1992, § 14-41)

Sec. 70-44. Same—Sale, etc., of toy firearms.

No person shall sell, barter, exchange, furnish or dispose of by purchase, gift or in any other manner any toy gun, pistol, rifle or other toy firearm, if the same shall, by means of powder or other explosive, discharge blank or ball charges. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100.00. Each sale of any of the articles specified in this section to any person shall constitute a separate offense. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the sale of what are commonly known as cap pistols.
(Code 1975, § 14-37; Code 1992, § 14-44)

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 2. WEAPONS* Richmond, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 66-348. Disposition of certain unclaimed weapons.
The chief of police is hereby authorized to dispose of all unclaimed rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, BB guns, knives and other similar weapons held by and coming into the possession of the department of police, either through public sale through the department of procurement services or by consigning to any agency of the city for use of the unclaimed property as a whole or to be condemned and dismantled for the usable parts.
(Code 1993, § 20-155; Ord. No. 2010-21-67, § 2, 4-26-2010)

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE III. WEAPONS Roanoke, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 21-81. Discharge of air gun, gravel shooter, pneumatic gun, etc.

(a) Any person who shall, anywhere within the city, discharge shot, stones, gravel, bullets or any similar thing from a gravel shooter, air gun, pneumatic gun or other similar implement shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor, unless otherwise permitted by this section.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not prohibit the use of a pneumatic gun at a facility approved for shooting ranges, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.
(c) Subsection (a) shall not prohibit the establishment of commercial or private areas designated for use of paintball guns for recreational use in accordance with all applicable requirements. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs shall be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.
(d) As used in this section, the term, “pneumatic gun” means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. The term “pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
(e) All uses of a pneumatic gun otherwise allowed under this section by a minor below the age of sixteen (16) years shall be under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult supervision approved by the minor’s parent or guardian.
(f) All minors, when permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing such use.
(g) The training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of sixteen (16) may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, American Legion, 4-H, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, Boy or Girl Scouts, USA Shooting, and similar groups approved by the chief of police, or any person authorized by these entities to certify instructors.
(h) All training and shooting shall take place either indoors at a range deemed safe for such use by the minor’s certified instructor, or outdoors at a facility meeting the requirements of subsection (b) above.
(Code 1956, Tit. XXIII, Ch. 4, § 7; Ord. No. 36814, § 1, 8-16-04; Ord. No. 37676, § 1, 2-5-07; Ord. No. 39157, 7-18-11)

County of ROANOKE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL – Roanoke County, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 13-4.1. – Pneumatic guns.

(a) As used in this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement, designed as a gun that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

(2) Minors sixteen (16) years of age and older must have the written consent of a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing the use thereof.

(3) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, junior reserve officers training corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of sixteen (16) may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense and similar groups approved by the chief of police, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

(4) Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use in areas where such facilities are permitted by the county’s zoning ordinance. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

(c) A violation of this section shall constitute class 3 misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 082311-1, § 2, 8-23-11)

Sec. 13-5. – Shooting in, along or near roads or streets.
(a) No person shall shoot any firearm in or along any road or within one hundred (100) yards thereof, or in a street of any town in the county, whether the town is incorporated or not.
(b) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.
(c) This section shall not apply to federal, state or local law-enforcement officers in the discharge of their duties.
(Code 1971, § 11-9)

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL – Roanoke County, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 5-4. – Same—Shooting, trapping, etc., birds.
It shall be unlawful and a Class 3 misdemeanor for any person to shoot at, trap, kill, destroy or molest any birds in any area described in section 5-3.
(Code 1971, § 5-1)

Chapter 15 PARKS AND RECREATION – Roanoke County, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 15-8. – Prohibited uses of parks.
No person in a park shall:

(6) Hunting and firearms. Hunt, trap or pursue wildlife at any time. Trapping may be authorized, by permit, when it is deemed by the director that said activity is in the best interest of public health, safety and/or welfare. No person shall within a park use, carry or possess firearms, ammunition or combinations thereof, as expressly prohibited by statute, or air rifles, spring guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, bow and arrows, slings or any other forms of weapons potentially dangerous to wildlife and to human safety or any instrument that can be loaded with and fire blank cartridges, or any kind of trapping device. Shooting into park areas from beyond park property boundaries is forbidden. The director may permit authorization for the use of a firearm or other potentially dangerous instrument, to be used in a park for a special event or county managed activity.

County of ROCKINGHAM, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

ROCKY MOUNT, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL – Rocky Mount, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 42-18. – Discharging, etc., slingshots, air guns, etc.

It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or use any slingshot, sling, gravel shooter, air gun, bow, crossbow or similar implement.
(Code 1979, § 12-58)

SALEM, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE V. WEAPONS Salem, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 58-142. Discharging air rifles, gravel shooters, bows, etc.

It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge shots, bullets or similar pellets from an air gun, air rifle or pellet gun, or to discharge shot, gravel or similar substance from a gravel shooter, slingshot or similar implement, or to discharge arrows, bolts, nails or bullets from a bow or crossbow, within 100 yards of any residence or public street. Each act done in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.
(Code 1969, § 31-2)

SMITHFIELD, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

SOUTH BOSTON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE III. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY – South Boston, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 70-75. – Air guns—Definitions.

For the purposes of sections 70-75 through 70-77, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

Air gun means any gun (rifle or pistol), by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of compressed air or gas, or by the action of a spring or elastic, but does not mean a firearm.
Minor means any person under the age of 18 years.
(Code 1988, § 12-45)
Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

SOUTH HILL, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE XI. CRIMES INVOLVING WEAPONS – South Hill, Virginia – Code of Ordinances

Sec. 50-701. – Discharging slingshots, air guns, similar implements.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or use any slingshot, sling, gravel shooter, air gun, bow, cross bow or similar implement.
(Code 1974, § 32-2)

ARTICLE II. BIRD SANCTUARY – South Hill, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 18-38. – Molesting birds.
It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot missiles of any description from any bow, sling, bean shooter, air rifle, spring gun, or similar weapon at any of the birds for which a bird sanctuary is provided in section 18-36 or otherwise destroy such birds, their nests or eggs, unless the birds constitute a nuisance or health hazard, which destruction may be authorized by the council.
(Code 1974, § 6-8)

County of SOUTHAMPTON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of SPOTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Spotsylvania County, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 14-8.1. Pneumatic guns.
(a) As used in this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
(b) Pneumatic guns may be used at facilities approved for shooting ranges, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor. Use thereof must be conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. “Reasonable care” means that the gun is being discharged so that the projectile will be contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment, or fence. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care. Minors may use such implements only under the following conditions:

(1) Minors under the age of sixteen (16) must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use thereof.
(2) Minors sixteen (16) years of age and older must have the written consent of a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing the use thereof.
(3) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, junior reserve officers training corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of sixteen (16) may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor’s instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.
(4) Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use in areas where such facilities are permitted by the county’s zoning ordinance. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.
(c) A violation of this section shall constitute class 3 misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 14-15, 10-11-11)

County of STAFFORD, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Stafford County, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 26-4. Discharging air guns in public places.

(a) No person shall discharge shot or pellets from a BB gun, air gun or other similar instrument in any street or highway in the county or in any place of public business or place of public gathering in the county.
(b) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.
(Code 1979, § 27-5)
Cross reference— Penalty for Class 2 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

ARTICLE II. SHOOTING-PROHIBITED AREAS Stafford County, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 26-16. Definitions.
Firearm shall mean and include any rifle, shotgun, pistol, BB gun, air rifle, cartridge gun, pellet gun, or any similar mechanism, by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by power explosion or by gas propulsion.

STRASBURG, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE IV. OFFENSES INVOLVING WEAPONS Suffolk, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 54-122. Discharge.
(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Densely populated area means an area extending 200 yards from the exterior boundaries of any five or more parcels or tracts, each one of which is adjacent to at least one other, each parcel or tract being one acre or less in area, and which parcels or tracts each contain a structure designed for human use.
(b) Prohibited. It shall be unlawful and constitute a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable as provided in subsection 1-14(1), for any person to:

(1) Discharge a firearm or air gun of .177 caliber or larger:
a. Within any densely populated area;
b. Within 200 yards from any structure owned by another and used for human occupancy or for business purposes, or for the storage of personal property, including, but not limited to, structures used for the housing of livestock or for other agricultural accessory storage uses, without permission of the owner;
c. Within 100 yards from any public street, secondary road or highway within the city, except on a permitted firing range; or
d. At or upon the property of another without permission.

(2) Shoot a longbow, compound bow, crossbow or air gun at or upon the property of another without permission.

County of SURRY, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

TAPPAHANNOCK, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 42 OFFENSES Tappahannock, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 42-8. Dangerous missiles; discharge prohibited.

No person shall discharge or shoot any stone, gravel, bullets, arrows or like missiles from an air gun, slingshot, bow or similar instrument into, in or from any street or public place within this town.
(Code 1993, § 14-12)
State law reference— Discharging firearms or missiles at trains, cars, vessels, etc., Code of Virginia, § 18.2-154.

TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

VIENNA, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 1. GENERALLY Vienna, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 10-40. Pneumatic guns, slingshots, etc.—Use prohibited.

No person shall use any instrument for projecting missiles likely to do injury to persons or property, such as a pneumatic gun, slingshot, grit shooter, bow and arrow, etc., in the Town. The provisions of this section shall not apply to instruction given under the control of personnel specifically authorized in writing by the Town Manager to perform such instruction. Additionally, the provisions of this section shall not apply to pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges; on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

Supervision by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor below the age of 16 shall be required in all uses of pneumatic guns on private or public property. Minors above the age of 16 may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun at any place designated for such use by the local governing body or on private property with the consent of the owner. All minors, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use of pneumatic guns. A violation of any pneumatic gun offense set forth in this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.
As used in this section, “pneumatic gun ” means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action or pneumatic pressure. “Pneumatic gun” includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
(Code 1962, § 5-16; Code 1969, § 10-40; Ord. of 3-1966; Ord. of 7-2-2012(1).

VINTON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE V. WEAPONS – Vinton, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 62-83. – Discharging pneumatic gun, bow.

(a) No person shall, anywhere within the town, discharge an arrow, shot, stone, gravel, BB, pellet, paintball, or any similar object from a pneumatic gun, bow, or other similar instrument except as authorized by this article. For the purpose of this section, “pneumatic gun” means any implement designed as a gun that will expel a BB, pellet, paintball, or similar object by action of pneumatic pressure.

(b) Pneumatic guns, bows, and other similar instruments may be used at facilities approved for shooting ranges, or other property where firearms or bows may be discharged lawfully, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor. Use thereof must be conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. “Reasonable care” means that the gun is being discharged so that the projectile will be contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment, or fence. The discharge of projectiles across the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun or bow was not conducted with reasonable care. Minors may use such instruments only under the following conditions:

(1) Minors under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by the parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use thereof.
(2) Minors 16 years of age and older must have the written consent of a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use thereof.
(c) A violation of this section shall constitute a class 3 misdemeanor.
(Code 1982, § 25-4; Ord. No. 917, 9-6-2011)

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Chapter 38 WEAPONS Virginia Beach, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 38-3. Discharge of firearms, air guns, etc.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm, spring-propelled rifle or pistol, from or across any land or water north or west of the trace of the line beginning at the intersection of North Landing Road and the Chesapeake-Virginia Beach city boundary line; thence northwardly along North Landing Road to Indian River Road; thence eastwardly along Indian River Road to New Bridge Road; thence northeastwardly along New Bridge Road to Sandbridge Road, thence eastwardly along Sandbridge Road to its intersection with the Atlantic Ocean, or across any land north of False Cape State Park and east of Shipps Bay and Point Creek. This prohibition shall not apply to shotguns discharging pellets under the following conditions:

(1) On land that is fifty (50) acres or more of contiguous area, or less than fifty (50) acres of contiguous area south of the trace of the line beginning at the intersection of Elbow Road and the Chesapeake-Virginia Beach city boundary line; thence northeastwardly along Elbow Road to Salem Road; thence southeastwardly along Salem Road to North Landstown Road; thence northeastwardly along Landstown Road to Princess Anne Road; thence southeastwardly along Princess Anne Road to Sandbridge Road; thence eastwardly along Sandbridge Road to its intersection with the Atlantic Ocean; and

(2) Under one (1) ownership; and

(3) Used primarily for agricultural purposes; and

(4) The landowner has applied for an annual permit from the city manager to use his property for this purpose, which permit shall be granted by the city manager if the applicant meets the requirements of this section; and

(5) The person discharging a shotgun as herein set forth shall, at all times while engaged in such activity, have in his possession written permission from the landowner to discharge such weapon on the premises; and

(6) All permits shall expire on the next June 30 after the date of issuance.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)(4) above, no permit shall be issued to a landowner if it is determined by the city manager or his duly authorized agent that the issuance of such permit would be detrimental to the public safety, and any permit that has been issued and is in effect may be revoked by the city manager if it is determined by the city manager or his duly authorized agent that conditions have changed since the date of issuance of the permit that cause the continued use of the land for the permitted purpose to be detrimental to the public safety.

(c) It shall be lawful to discharge firearms of .22-caliber or less south of the trace line enumerated in subsection (a) subject to the provisions of this section. It shall be unlawful to discharge any firearms greater than .22-caliber any place within the city; provided, however, that muzzle loading rifles using a charge of black powder or black powder equivalent may be used to hunt deer during the open season prescribed therefor by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries south of the trace of the line described in subsection (a)(1). For purposes of this section, a muzzle loading rifle shall mean a single-shot flintlock or percussion rifle, .45 caliber or larger, firing a single lead projectile or sabot with a .38 caliber or larger non-jacketed lead projectile of the same caliber loaded from the muzzle of the weapon and propelled by at least fifty (50) grains of black powder or black powder equivalent.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm, spring-propelled rifle or pistol, from, on, across or within one hundred fifty (150) yards of any building, dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place within the city limits.

(e) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to the operation of a shooting event that is sponsored by an organized group, provided, the written approval of the chief of police as to the safety and location of the event is obtained prior to the event.

(f) No person shall use a pneumatic gun in the area of the city described in (a) above except (i) at approved shooting ranges or (ii) on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. For purposes of this subsection, “pneumatic gun” means any implement designed as a gun that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure, including but not limited to paintball guns. Further, for the purpose of this subsection “reasonable care” means that the pneumatic gun is discharged in a manner so the projectile is contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment or fence. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care and shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the discharge of firearms and other weapons by (1) law enforcement officers; (2) military personnel; or (3) federal, state or local government animal or fowl management agency agents in the city as part of authorized training or in the performance of their duties.

(h) A violation of any provision of this section unless otherwise specified shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(Code 1965, § 38-2; Ord. No. 1107, 10-20-80; Ord. No. 1220, 9-14-81; Ord. No. 1332, 9-27-82; Ord. No. 1622, 9-15-86; Ord. No. 1624, 9-29-86; Ord. No. 2525, 4-6-99; Ord. No. 3084, 5-26-09; Ord. No. 3188, 6-28-11)

WARRENTON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE II. WEAPONS – Warrenton, Virginia – Code of Ordinances
Sec. 11-51. – Discharging air rifles, gravel shooters, bows, etc.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge shots, bullets or similar pellets from any air gun, air rifle or pellet gun or to discharge shot, gravel or similar substance from a gravel shooter, slingshot or similar implement or to discharge arrows, bolts, nails or bullets from a bow or crossbow within one hundred (100) yards of any residence or public street. Each act done in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.
(Code 1981, § 10-34)

County of WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

WAYNESBORO, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Waynesboro, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 50-3. Weapons.

(a) Firearms, air rifles, pellet guns, etc. Except for law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duty, or any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law, no person within the city shall discharge shot, gravel, bullets, objects or other similar substances from a firearm, air rifle, pellet gun or other similar device. In addition to any other penalty for violation of this section, the court may order the confiscation of the device involved in the offense.

(b) Bows, crossbows, slingshots, dangerous missiles, etc. Except for law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duty, no person shall, in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person within the city, throw stones, sticks or other dangerous missiles or weapons, or discharge arrows, nails, objects or other similar substances from a bow or crossbow, or discharge any item mentioned in this subsection from a slingshot, gravel shooter or other similar device. In addition to any other penalty for violation of this section, the court may order the confiscation of the device involved in the offense.

(c) Exemptions. The following are exempted from coverage under subsections (a) and (b):

(1) Any firing range designated by the city manager for official training of law enforcement personnel while on or off official duty, provided that such exemption shall apply only to such use of such location by such personnel. Any use thereof by any other individual shall continue to constitute a violation of this section; and
(2) Any firing range operated by any nonprofit educational institution, public or private, under their supervision.
(Code 1964, § 16-7)

WEST POINT, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

County of WESTMORELAND, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Williamsburg, Virginia Code of Ordinances

Sec. 4-13. Killing birds prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to kill or attempt to kill any song bird or game bird within the corporate limits of the city with any gun, pistol or other firearm, air rifle, BB gun, gravel shooter, bow and arrow or sling shot. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished in accordance with section 1-15 of this Code.
(Code 1975, § 5-12)

County of WISE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

WOODSTOCK, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

No Air-gun ordinances listed, refer to Virginia State laws (Above sec.).

WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA AIR GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION 1. GENERALLY Wytheville, Virginia Code of Ordinances
Sec. 9-9. Discharge of firearms, etc.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to fire to discharge any firearm or other weapon, at any location within the corporate limits of the town with exception of those areas which are designated as A-1 Agricultural zoning districts or as may be exempted in subsection (g) hereafter. A map indicating those areas so designated as A-1 Agricultural districts is on file in the office of the zoning administrator.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to fire or discharge any firearm or any other weapon, on public or semipublic lands regardless of the zoning designation.

(c) In the zoning district where the discharge of firearms is permitted, it shall be unlawful for any person to fire or discharge any firearm or weapon as defined herein within three hundred (300) feet of any street or highway, railroad, residence, or any structure which is normally used to house machinery, tools, livestock or animals, feed, or any other related agricultural/domestic activity.

(d) The discharge of any weapon, where permitted, is subject to all applicable state laws and statutes concerning the discharge of firearms and additionally is to be in compliance with regulations promulgated by the Virginia Game Commission.

(e) The provisions of subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to the use of pneumatic guns, which expels a BB, a pellet or a paintball, at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

(f) Any weapon used by any person convicted of violating subsections (a), (b), (c) or (d) may be confiscated and held by the police department for a period not to exceed six (6) months and, after that time, such weapon shall be returned to the owner.

(g) The provisions of subsections (a), (b), (c) or (d) shall not apply to any police officer or other law enforcement officer while acting in performance of his duties as such, nor shall the provisions of this article be construed to prohibit the firing or discharge of a rifle, gun, air rifle or air gun of not over .22 caliber in a licensed shooting gallery. Nor shall the provisions of subsections (a), (b), (c) or (d) prohibit a law enforcement officer or animal control officer from discharging a firearm to abate a nuisance at the direction of the town manager.

(h) The provisions of subsections (a), (b), (c) or (d) shall not apply to any person whose act is justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.

(i) The town manager, or his authorized designee, shall have the power to grant a special permit for the discharge of firearms or specific ceremonial or festive activities. Such ceremonies and/or activities may include, but are not limited to, funerals, holiday celebrations, ball games, and festivals. However, the granting of the special permit shall in no way allow the use of projectiles.

Permits shall be issued at the discretion of the town manager, or his authorized designee, and will be dependent upon such items as safety factors, size of firearm, noise level, and time and conditions relevant to safety. In no way shall the issuance of this permit conflict with any other town ordinances or requirements.

(Code 1967, §§ 23-2—23-4; Ord. No. 868, § (23-4), 10-28-85; Ord. No. 947, 5-29-90; Ord. No. 1040, 7-24-95; Ord. No. 1261, 10-10-2011)
Charter reference— Power of town to regulate the discharge of firearms, § 9(21).

Disclaimer

These rules and regulations were compiled to the best of my ability. The information on this article should not constitute as legal advice. Always check with your local jurisdiction for the final ruling.