Local Firearms Preemption: Apex vs Raleigh
How do local firearms preemption rules compare between Apex, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh has fewer restrictions than Apex.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Wake County Code §130.05 (adopted 11-9-2022, effective 12-9-2022) prohibits firearm discharge within 300 yards of any dwelling, school, church, warehouse, playground, or park without written permission, and from 10 PM to 7 AM. Violations are a Class 3 misdemeanor with up to $500 fine + 30 days jail.
View full Apex rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Raleigh cannot enact local firearm ordinances — North Carolina General Statute 14-409.40 reserves to the General Assembly the regulation of firearm possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, and registration. Carry, purchase, and possession rules are uniform statewide.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 300 yards | - |
| Night ban | 10 PM - 7 AM | - |
| Backstop | Required | - |
| Permission | 1-year max | - |
| Effective | Dec 9, 2022 | - |
| Preemption Statute | - | N.C.G.S. Sec. 14-409.40 |
| Pistol-Purchase Permit | - | Repealed March 2023 (SB 41) |
| Statewide Carry | - | Open carry 18+ generally lawful; CHP required for concealed (18+) |
| What Raleigh May Regulate | - | Public-building carry (vehicles excepted), employee carry, general zoning |
| What's Preempted | - | Possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, registration, dealers |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I shoot in my backyard in unincorporated Wake?
Only if you have written permission from any dwelling owner within 300 yards AND no schools/churches/parks within 300 yards AND an adequate backstop AND it's between 7 AM and 10 PM.
How do I check 300 yards?
Contact Wake County GIS at 919-856-6370 or use the online parcel viewer. Measure from the nearest point of any dwelling, school, or church.
Does this apply inside Raleigh?
Raleigh has its own firearm discharge prohibition (§13-3001) covering city limits. NCGS §160A-189 governs the city-county boundary.
Raleigh FAQ
Can Raleigh ban handguns or assault weapons?
No. N.C.G.S. Sec. 14-409.40 reserves firearm regulation to the General Assembly. Raleigh cannot ban any firearm type state and federal law allow.
What firearm rules apply in Raleigh?
North Carolina state law. Open carry is generally lawful at 18+; concealed carry requires a state Concealed Handgun Permit. No pistol-purchase permit is required since SB 41 (March 2023) — federal NICS applies at licensed dealers.
Are there any local firearm restrictions in Raleigh?
Yes, narrow ones state law allows: Raleigh prohibits firearms inside city-owned public buildings and on their grounds (vehicles excepted), regulates carry by its own employees, and applies general zoning to firearm dealers.
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