Will the Firearm Ordinance Affect You?

Monday, Dorchester County Council will consider the third and final reading to an ordnance banning the discharge of firearms from public roadways in residential zoning districts.

The regular meeting is 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Kenneth F. Waggoner building in St. George. 

The county released a map of the affected neighborhoods and roads Thursday. See attached map or go to the county's website.

Following the second reading of the ordinance Sept. 17, several citizens have expressed concerns that the ordinance will infringe upon their rights to protect themselves and their property, according to the county. In an effort to clear up any concerns regarding self defense, the following amendment to theordinance has been prepared for County Council’s consideration prior to giving the third reading:

The prohibitions of this Ordinance shall in no way be construed to prevent a person from discharging a firearmin defense of his person, others, or his property as specifically provided in the exclusion contained in S.C. CodeAnn. Sec. 23-31-510(2) or as may otherwise be allowed by law.

This new paragraph would be inserted into the proposed ordinance just before the penalty provision.

Penalty for discharging a firearm in prohibited areas includes an up to $500 fine and a jail sentence up to 30 days.

The original, proposed ordinance is attached to this story.