Chapter 9.12 WEAPONS/FIREARMS

Chapter 9.12
WEAPONS/FIREARMS¹

Sections:

9.12.030 Restriction on discharge of firearms.

9.12.010 State preemption.

The city recognizes the Legislature of the state of Washington by adoption of RCW 9.41.290 fully occupies and preempts the regulation of firearms by cities except as specifically authorized by state law as in RCW 9.41.300. It is the intent of the provisions of this chapter to comply with this preemption and the applicable state statutes. (Ord. 878 § 1, 2009)

9.12.020 Weapons restrictions.

A. It is unlawful for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses or knowingly has under his or her control a weapon as that term is defined in RCW 9.41.300(1)(b):

1. The area in the Deer Park City Hall building located at East 316 Crawford that is at the time of entry being used for a courtroom, jury room, or judge’s chambers to conduct court business.

The local legislative authority and local judicial authority shall comply with the designation and other requirements associated with weapons restrictions as set forth in this section as required by RCW 9.41.300(1)(b), including but not limited to marking those areas within the Deer Park City Hall building where weapons are prohibited, when they are prohibited and posting of notices at each entrance to the building regarding the prohibition against weapons in the restricted areas at the restricted times.

B. The provisions of subsection A of this section shall not apply to:

1. A person engaged in military activities sponsored by the federal or state governments, while engaged in official duties;

2. Law enforcement personnel, except that subsection A of this section does apply to a law enforcement officer who is present at the Deer Park City Hall building while a portion of the same is in use as a courtroom, as a party to an action under Chapter 10.14, 10.99 or 26.50 RCW or an action under RCW Title 26 where any party has alleged the existence of domestic violence as defined in RCW 26.50.010; or

3. Security personnel while engaged in official duties. (Ord. 878 § 1, 2009: Ord. 712 § 2, 1998)

9.12.030 Restriction on discharge of firearms.

A. The city council finds that the discharge of firearms within the city limits has the reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals, or property would be jeopardized and therefore the discharge of firearms in the city limits is prohibited. This restriction on the discharge of firearms within the city limits is not intended to abridge the right of the individual guaranteed by Article I, Section 24 of the state Constitution to bear arms in defense of self or others. The term “firearm” as used in this section shall have the meaning set forth in RCW 9.41.010.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, the city council hereby delegates to the mayor the authority to lift the restriction on the discharge of firearms within the city limits when it is deemed necessary by the mayor to mitigate wildlife hazards at the Deer Park Municipal Airport. (Ord. 878 § 1, 2009: Ord. 712 § 3, 1998)

9.12.040 Violations – Penalties.

A. Any person convicted of violating DPMC 9.12.020 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

B. Any person convicted of violating DPMC 9.12.030 is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 878 § 1, 2009: Ord. 712 § 5, 1998. Formerly 9.12.070)

Prior legislation: Ord. 652.