North Carolina: Update on Johnston County Noise Ordinance

County Board of Commissioners Responds to Public Pressure

Thanks to an outpouring of opposition from NRA members, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted to amend its new noise ordinance (previously reported on here by NRA-ILA), and excluded the specific reference to shooting on private property.  We appreciate the efforts of NRA members who attended the meeting on Tuesday, September 4, or contacted commissioners prior to the meeting.  Please remember to take a moment to thank members of the County Board of Commissioners. By listening to the concerned residents of Johnston County, they made the right decision in rejecting the proposed language that could have brought an end to plinking, target shooting, sighting in and other forms of recreational shooting on private land in the county.  You can find contact information for members of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners here.

While NRA members should be pleased with this outcome, we remain concerned this issue could be raised again in the future.   In addition, the previously existing noise ordinance, as well as the slightly modified one passed on Tuesday remain vague.  This has the potential to be a problem for people who shoot on their own property should Johnston County officials choose to take action for an alleged violation.  As always, we must remain vigilant, and continue to monitor all aspects of government to ensure the protection of our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.