Beaufort County leaders consider new gun ordinance amid neighborhood safety concerns

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Leaders in Beaufort County are considering a new gun ordinance after hearing growing concerns from residents about safety, noise, and property values.

Neighbors say they are frustrated and fearful of bullets flying near their homes.

A Beaufort County father shared his concerns during Tuesday’s Community Service and Public Safety Committee Meeting.

“There are currently seven bullet holes in my property right now,” he said. “Struck the wall next to me, next to my four-year-old daughter, my wife, and our two-month-old at the time.”

He was among nearly a dozen residents who voiced fears about gunfire occurring near their homes along New Riverside Road and Hartwell Road. Several neighbors said the ongoing incidents have left them anxious and some are considering leaving the area.

“We have people who are leaving the development, have their homes up for sale,” one property owner told leaders.

The proposed ordinance would make it unlawful for anyone in an unincorporated area to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of a building, dwelling, park, or playground. Violators could face fines of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail.

Some law enforcement officials say the ordinance may not go far enough. Speakers asked county council to consider having the ordinance read no one should shoot within 1,000 to 1,500 feet of a dwelling.

The Public Safety Committee is still working on a final draft of the ordinance before it moves to the full county council for approval.