City Code, ExplainedBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

This chapter prohibits carrying concealed deadly weapons without authorization, discharging firearms or dangerous/combustible materials in the City, and selling, using, or discharging fireworks or other pyrotechnics in public or private places.

Who this affects

Anyone in Pottsville who owns or carries a firearm, discharges firearms, or uses or sells fireworks; it also requires firearm owners to report a lost or stolen firearm.

Key rules

• No person shall carry any concealed deadly weapon except duly authorized persons.
• No person shall discharge any firearms of any type whatsoever or any powder or other dangerous, combustible material within the City, either in public or private places.
• No person who is the owner of a firearm that is lost or stolen shall fail to report the loss or theft to an appropriate local law enforcement official within 24 hours after discovery of the loss or theft.
• No person shall sell, use or discharge fireworks, firecrackers, rockets or other pyrotechnics in any public or private place in the City.
• It shall be the duty of members of the Bureau of Police to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

Penalties

Any person, firm or corporation who violates the provisions of this chapter is subject to a fine of not more than $600, plus costs of prosecution, and, in default of payment, imprisonment of not more than 90 days. For a first violation of the firearm loss/theft reporting requirement, a fine of not more than $500 plus costs of prosecution; for a second or subsequent violation, a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs of prosecution and imprisonment of not more than 90 days.

Notable and archaic details

• The chapter bans discharging fireworks anywhere in the City, including private property, with no stated exceptions.
• This chapter originates from a 1966 ordinance.