The window for applications to participate in the Orange County Firearms Safety Committee has opened.

The Orange County Board of Commissioners voted to create the committee after unanimously voting down a proposed ordinance in February. The board then defined the purpose and composition of the committee at its meeting on Tuesday.

The board will consist of eight residents who reside or own property in the unincorporated portions of Orange County and will include representatives who own and use firearms and those who do not, according to a release.

The committee will also be made up of technical staff representing the Orange County Sheriff, N.C. Wildlife Resources Department, County Manager, a Board of Commissioners’ liaison, County Attorney and County Planning Director.

The committee will also have a facilitator.

The committee’s charge includes, but is not limited to, “discussing the purpose of additional county firearm regulations, noise, lot size, cost, posting of property signs, and safety concerns; and reviewing similar ordinances in other counties and advising or recommending to the BOCC a course of action regarding firearm regulations in the county.”

Applications can be submitted here and should be completed by April 15.

The board has proposed appointing members to the committee in early May.

If you need additional information, you are asked to contact Thom Freeman at (919) 245-2125 or Donna Baker (919) 245-2130.

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