Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFirearms TA_app_CC TEXT AMENDMENT REQUEST: (Internal) Development Services Department 108 E. Front Street P.O. Box 65, Lillington, NC 27546 Phone: (910) 893-7525 Fax: (910) 893-2793 Planning Board: April 3, 2017 County Commissioners: April 17, 2017  Applicant Information Applicant:  Name: Harnett County Development Services / Requested By: Harnett County Sheriff’s Office  Address: PO Box 65  City/State/Zip: Lillington, NC 27546  E-mail: rbaker@harnett.org  Phone: (910) 893-7525 ext. 6417       Type of Change  New Addition Revision O rdinance: Firearms Discharge Ordinance  Article:  N/A  Section:  3,4,6,7,9,11,12,13           Current Text: See attached     Proposed Text: (Attach additional sheets if necessary) See attached     Reason for Requested Change: To amend Harnett County’s Firearms Discharge Ordinance in order to decriminalize the enforcement and establish a method of appeal and settlement for violations.   Additional Information On April 3rd, the Harnett County Planning Board were informed of the proposed amendment. The following items were expressed as areas of concern by the board members: * The amount of the fine may be too high. * The time allowed to pay the fine should be extended from 15 days to 30 days. * The Ordinances should be publicized in a manner to educate the general public prior to enforcement. * The Appeal Board should not include a representative from the Sheriff’s Office or the BOC. The ability to ensure due process was questioned with the proposed configuration of the Appeal Board. * The elimination of criminal enforcement takes away the judicial review process from the violator. * Civil enforcement places the burden of proving ones innocence on the violator, rather than the court having to prove ones guilt. * One citizen spoke at the meeting and stated that this method of enforcement was considered by him to be an example of government overreach and demanded his judicial review process.