ORDINANCE NO. 11-02-25
AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS
WITHIN THE TOWN LIMITS

WHEREAS, the Silver Lake Town Council, Kosciusko County, Indiana, deems it necessary to regulate the discharge of firearms within the corporate limits of the Town of Silver Lake to promote the safety, peace, and welfare of residents.

THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED as follows:

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
For this ordinance:
1. “Firearm” shall mean any weapon that is capable of expelling, or designed to expel, or that may readily be converted to expel, a projectile by means of an explosion.
2. “Discharge” shall mean the firing, releasing, or shooting of any firearm.
3. “Town limits” shall mean the corporate boundaries of the Town of Silver Lake, Indiana.

SECTION 2. PROHIBITION
Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm within the town limits of Silver Lake, Indiana.

SECTION 3. EXCEPTIONS
The prohibition in Section 2 shall not apply to:
1. Law enforcement officers, animal control officers, or military personnel acting in line of duty.
2. The use of firearms in officially sanctioned or licensed ranges, training facilities, or events approved by the Town Council.
3. Lakeview Cemetery Ceremonial functions or public events, when granted prior approval by the Town Council.

SECTION 4. PENALTIES
1. Any person who violates this ordinance shall be subject to a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
2. Each act of unlawful discharge shall constitute a separate offense.

SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY
If any section, clause, or provision of this ordinance is found invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such findings shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance.

SECTION 6. REPEAL OF PREVIOUS ORDINANCE
This ordinance shall repeal and replace Ordinance No. 1882.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and thirty (30) days after its publication as provided by law.

Adopted this 10th day of December, 2025.
Medard Murfin, Council President
Nichole Taylor, Council Member
Gloria Weller, Council Member
ATTEST: Tonya Conley, Clerk-Treasurer