FIREARMS ORDINANCE
TOWN OF GORHAM
FIREARMS ORDINANCE
Enacted June 7, 1994
Amended September 6, 1994
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
The definition of “Firearm”, as defined by 12 M.R.S.A. Sec. 70001, includes any instrument used in the propulsion of pellets, shot, or bullets by action of gunpowder, compressed air or gas exploded or released within it.
A. “Autoloading firearm” means a firearm that reloads itself after each shot and requires that the trigger be pulled for each shot.
B. “Automatic firearm” means a firearm that will continue to fire as long as the trigger is held back.
SECTION 2. SHOTGUN ONLY ZONE
It shall be a violation of this ordinance for any person to discharge a firearm of any kind or description except for shotguns, within the “Shotgun Only Zone” as shown on the Gorham Firearms Map, which is dated June 7, 1994 as is kept in the Gorham Town Clerk’s office.
A. This section shall not apply to any person while on their own property to which they are legally entitled to possession, and on which they are actually domiciled.
SECTION 3. OWNER OF PROPERTY
This ordinance shall not restrict an owner of said property, whether or not such property is located in the “Shotgun Only Zone” from discharging a shotgun or a .22 caliber rim fire on his/her own property to dispatch a wild animal that is destroying said property, so long as said owner of property acts pursuant to and in accordance with 38 M.R.S.A. Sec. 7501 et seq. as amended.
SECTION 4. MUNICIPAL PROPERTIES
It shall be a violation of this ordinance for any person to discharge a firearm of any type of description at or on the following municipal properties: school properties, Municipal Center, and within 500 feet of the municipal landfill, transfer station and the fuel tanks.
SECTION 5. NARRAGANSETT GAME SANCTUARY
A. “Narragansett Game Sanctuary” as defined in Title 12 M.R.S.A. Sec. 7651 is: “The following described territory situated in the Town of Gorham, in the County of Cumberland: Bounded on the north by the right-of-way of the W.N. and P. division of the Boston & Maine Railroad; on the east side by the Black Brook Road or Scarborough Road, also known as Brackett Road and Libby Avenue1 so called, in said Town of Gorham; on the south side by the Stroutwater River; and on the west side by South Street or South Gorham Road, so called, in the Town of Gorham, containing 3,600 acres, more or less. For provisions relating specifically to Narragansett Game Sanctuary, see Section 7654, Subsection 8, Paragraph A, Subparagraph (4).
SECTION 6. VIOLATIONS/FINES
Any person found to be in violation of any part of this ordinance shall be fined not less than $100.00 and not more then $5,000.00 with the fine recovered for the use by the Town of Gorham. The Town of Gorham may initiate any and all actions and proceedings either legal or equitable that may be appropriate or necessary for the enforcement of this ordinance and the Town shall be entitled to recover its legal costs.
SECTION 7. SEVERABILITY
If any section or provision of this ordinance shall be finally declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining sections and provisions of the ordinance.
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