Fairfax City Adopts Firearms Ban

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

02/12/2021 10:23 AM

At its February 9, 2021 meeting, the City Council of the City of Fairfax enacted an ordinance, under recent General Assembly enabling authority, that prohibits firearms in buildings owned or used by the city, in public parks within the city, and in any recreation facility or community center owned or operated by the city.

The decision to prohibit firearms in public areas follows similar bans enacted by the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church and Fairfax and Arlington counties, along with others in the Commonwealth.

The city ordinance is effective immediately, but full enforcement will not occur until appropriate notices and signage are posted where required. The city website will be updated soon to list all of the applicable locations in which the firearms prohibition under this ordinance is applicable.

The firearms ban includes trails, sidewalks, and parking areas within public park boundaries. There are certain listed exemptions from the general prohibitions; however, there is no exemption for individuals holding concealed carry permits. Violation of this ordinance is punishable by conviction of a Class 4 misdemeanor, which provides for a fine of up to $250 per violation.

Watch the City Council discussion.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.