If you’re a gun owner in North Carolina, it’s not enough to understand state law. While your concealed carry permit comes from the state, cities and counties can still regulate when and where firearms may be discharged — and North Carolina law includes special restrictions for minors as well.
This post breaks down what every responsible gun owner should know about local firearm ordinances and how they fit within the broader framework of North Carolina law.
1. Why Local Ordinances Matter
North Carolina law protects the right to own and carry firearms, but it also gives local governments limited power to regulate how and where firearms are used.
That means even if you have a valid permit, you might still violate local law if you fire a weapon inside city limits, use a firearm in a restricted zone, or allow a minor to handle a handgun without proper supervision.
These local rules are found in three key statutes:
- G.S. 160A-189 – Cities and Towns
- G.S. 153A-129 – Counties
- G.S. 14-269.7 – Minors and Handguns
Understanding these laws will help you stay compliant, protect your rights, and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Cities & Municipalities: G.S. 160A-189
North Carolina General Statute 160A-189 gives cities and towns the authority to regulate the discharge of firearms within their boundaries. This doesn’t mean cities can completely ban ownership or possession — the law specifically limits their power to areas concerning safety and discharge.
Cities may:
- Prohibit or restrict the firing of firearms within city limits.
- Set special hunting or discharge zones.
- Enforce penalties for unsafe or unauthorized shooting.
They cannot override state laws concerning ownership, concealed carry, or the transport of firearms.
Example:
In Greenville, it’s illegal to discharge any firearm within city limits under Sec. 12-1-3 of the city code. The only exceptions are for law enforcement or animal control officers in the line of duty. Greenville also maintains “hunting overlay” zones — such as the Sunny Side Hunting Overlay — where discharge is permitted under specific conditions.
For most residents, however, target practice or recreational shooting is prohibited inside city boundaries, even on private property.
3. Counties: G.S. 153A-129
North Carolina General Statute 153A-129 gives counties similar authority outside city limits — primarily to protect public safety in unincorporated areas.
Counties can:
- Restrict firearm discharge in or near residential areas.
- Regulate shooting hours.
- Prohibit firing across property lines without consent.
- Create special ordinances for public parks and county property.
Example:
In Pitt County, Ordinance No. 7 and No. 8 make it illegal to:
- Fire a gun so that a bullet crosses onto someone else’s property without written permission, and
- Discharge a firearm between 9:30 PM and 6:30 AM in or near residential zones (such as subdivisions and mobile home parks).
Violations can result in fines or criminal charges. For most shooters, that means no backyard shooting after dark and careful attention to where rounds land.
4. Minors & Handguns: G.S. 14-269.7
North Carolina General Statute 14-269.7 addresses minors and handguns. It states that any person under 18 who willfully and intentionally possesses or carries a handgun is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Exceptions include:
- Supervised use for lawful hunting or marksmanship practice.
- A minor’s participation in safety or training programs.
- Situations where the handgun is used in self-defense under adult supervision.
For instructors, parents, and training programs like Trace Armory Group, this means:
- Always ensure minors are directly supervised when handling firearms.
- Keep documentation of training sessions or permissions.
- Never transfer a handgun to a minor except under clearly lawful circumstances.
Example:
A 17-year-old participating in a supervised concealed carry fundamentals class at an approved range is generally lawful.
That same teen carrying a parent’s handgun unsupervised to a friend’s house is not.
5. How These Three Laws Work Together
These three statutes—160A-189, 153A-129, and 14-269.7—create a layered approach to firearm regulation in North Carolina.
- State law governs ownership, concealed carry permits, and overall possession rights.
- City and county ordinances regulate discharge and use within their jurisdictions.
- Age-based laws restrict access to handguns for minors.
For gun owners and instructors, this means it’s not enough to know your carry rights; you must also know your local boundaries.
Common mistakes include:
- Assuming your county follows the same rules as your city.
- Ignoring signs that mark the start of city limits.
- Allowing a minor to handle a handgun without direct supervision.
At Trace Armory Group, we encourage all our students to treat local law awareness as part of their safety training — because compliance is a critical component of responsible gun ownership.
6. Key Takeaways for North Carolina Gun Owners
✅ Check your city and county ordinances before shooting, even on private property.
✅ Confirm whether your land is inside city limits or part of an unincorporated area.
✅ Never allow minors to handle handguns unsupervised.
✅ Remember: A concealed carry permit does not authorize you to discharge a firearm anywhere you wish.
✅ Stay updated — local ordinances can change, and enforcement often increases after complaints or incidents.
7. Resources & References
- G.S. 160A-189 – Regulation of Firearms by Cities and Towns
- G.S. 153A-129 – Regulation of Firearms by Counties
- G.S. 14-269.7 – Minors and Handguns
- Greenville City Code Sec. 12-1-3
- Pitt County Firearm Ordinances
- Wilmington City Ordinance Sec. 6-5
Final Word from Trace Armory Group
Firearm safety isn’t just about handling — it’s about understanding the laws that surround responsible ownership. Whether you live in a city like Greenville, a coastal hub like Wilmington, or anywhere in between, take the time to learn your local ordinances before you shoot.
At Trace Armory Group, we teach responsible, informed, and law-abiding firearm ownership across North Carolina.
Train Smart. Train Safe. Train Legal
