Council Defers Decision on Pneumatic Gun Ordinance

The Herndon Town Council , including paint ball guns, BB guns and air soft guns, at its public hearing on Tuesday. 

State legislation from 2011 authorizes the town to “prohibit … the shooting of pneumatic guns in any area… that are in the opinion of the governing body so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants thereof.”

The town already prohibits the discharge of pneumatic guns within the town with a few exceptions, said Town Attorney Richard Kaufman. However, the town’s existing ordinance does not conform to the 2011 state law, he said.

The legislation also states that the town can’t prohibit the use of pneumatic guns at shooting ranges, on private property with the permission of the owner and at other properties where firearms may be used safely and reasonably. This includes in private basements or cellar target ranges. They may also be used with blank cartridges in theatrical performances. 

The new ordinance drafted by Kaufman also addresses the provision on bow and arrow usage to make it consistent with current laws. If pneumatic guns are used in situations that do not comply with the ordinance, violation will constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Town resident Barbara Glakas was the only one to speak during the public hearing. She said she believes the ordinance should address metal tipped arrows versus toy arrows. She said when metal tipped arrows are used with even a toy or a small 10-pound bow the arrow can still puncture a target 50 feet away. 

Glakas also said she believes the ordinance should include language about the use of pneumatic guns by minors. Virginia law states that those under 16 need parent or guardian supervision, while 16 and 17 year olds need written permission. Glakas said she thinks the town should consider including this language in its own ordinance. 

Glakas said she had a 14-year-old neighbor who at one point was shooting his BB gun in their back yard but in missing his target, the pellets were going into the common area of the neighborhood, including in close proximity to the playground. 

Kaufman said he thought the council should consider deferring the ordinance so he could consider and evaluate Glakas' points. He said while the ordinance basically prohibits the use of pneumatic weapons, since they can be used in some circumstances within the town limits, it would be good to consider Glakas' input. 

The council will discuss the ordinance again at its July 3 work session at 7 p.m. in the , 765 Lynn St.