Augusta-Richmond County cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Georgia O.C.G.A. Section 16-11-173 reserves to the General Assembly all regulation of gun shows, firearm possession, ownership, transport, carry, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, registration, and firearms dealers.
O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-11-173 prohibits any Georgia county, municipality, or consolidated government — including Augusta-Richmond County — from regulating 'by zoning, ordinance, resolution, or other enactment' the possession, ownership, transport, carrying, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, or registration of firearms, ammunition, components, gun shows, or firearms dealers. The consolidated government's narrow remaining authority covers regulation of firearm discharge inside the jurisdiction, restrictions on carry by its own employees on duty, and generally applicable zoning and business ordinances applied to firearms dealers (no stricter than rules applied to similar businesses). Statewide, Georgia became a permitless (constitutional) carry state in 2022 under HB 218 / SB 319 — adults 21+ who are eligible for a Georgia Weapons Carry License may carry openly or concealed without a permit.
Any Augusta-Richmond County ordinance conflicting with O.C.G.A. Sec. 16-11-173 is null and void. The statute provides a private right of action for actual damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, and reasonable attorney fees.
See how Augusta's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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