HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-15-19 Item 8-d - Amendment to Sections of the Code of Ordinances 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 15, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-d
SUBJECT: Amendment to Sections of the Code of Ordinances
DEPARTMENT: County Attorney
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Resolution John Roberts, County Attorney, 245-
Code Section 18-151 2318
PURPOSE: To amend the Code of Ordinances to clarify an inconsistency in definitions.
BACKGROUND: An item was brought to the County Attorney's attention by an Orange County
resident. Although most weapons of any kind are prohibited in County owned or operated
buildings, pocket knives have always been allowed. Earlier this year a resident pointed out that
Section 18-6 of the Code generally described pocket knives as a folding instrument having a
blade less than four inches long while Section 18-151 described a pocket knife as having a
blade less than three inches long.
Pocket knives are still somewhat regularly carried by Orange County residents and are allowed
in County buildings. It is important to the public and the County to have consistency in the
definition. The attached resolution will amend the Code of Ordinances to delete the standalone
definition in Section 18-151, and in that section refer to the pre-existing definition in Section 18-6
of a pocket knife being foldable and having a blade less than four inches long.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board amend the Code of
Ordinances and adopt the attached resolution.
2
RES-2019-064
RESOLUTION OF AMENDMENT
A RESOLUTION AMENDING CHAPTER 18 OF THE ORANGE COUNTY CODE
OF ORDINANCES
Be it Resolved and Ordained by the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina:
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners has determined there is an inconsistency in the language
that defines the term "pocket knife" in Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners has determined an amendment is necessary to maintain
consistency in the Code of Ordinances.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, that the Code of Ordinances, Orange County, North
Carolina, Chapter 18, is hereby amended by amending the definition of"knife" in Section §18-6 and
the definition of"pocket knife" in Section §18-151, which amended definitions read as shown in the
attached revised Ordinance.
This Amendment shall become effective upon adoption.
Adopted by the Orange County Board of Commissioners this day of October, 2019.
By: Attest:
Penny Rich, Chair Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board
Orange County Board of Commissioners
[SEAL]
3
ORD-2019-036
Except as specifically modified herein all other terms in the following sections are not amended and shall
remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 18-6.-Definitions
Knife means a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade.A pocket knife,carried and/or possessed in a
closed position,with a blade not exceeding four inches long that provides for its point and cutting edge to be
entirely enclosed by its handle and that may not be opened by throwing,explosive or spring action is not,for
purposes of this Ordinance,a knife,the carrying or possession of which is prohibited under this chapter.
• Sec. 18-151.-Definitions.
Peeket- Knife and Pocket Knife
overall length of three inches or loss when in its e sod p tionhave the same meaning and definition as
those terms are defined in Section 18-6 of this Chapter.