Charlotte 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.
N.C.G.S. Sec. 14-409.40 declares it the General Assembly's intent that 'the regulation of firearms is properly an issue of general, statewide concern' and prohibits any county or municipality from enacting ordinances 'concerning the regulation of the possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, or registration of firearms, firearms ammunition, components of firearms, dealers in firearms, or dealers in handgun components or parts.' Charlotte's narrow remaining authority covers regulating firearm possession by its own employees during work, prohibiting firearms in public buildings and on the grounds of public buildings (vehicles excepted), and applying generally applicable zoning to firearm dealers as long as the rules are no stricter than for similar businesses. North Carolina ended its century-old handgun-purchase-permit (pistol-purchase-permit) requirement in March 2023; permits are no longer required to purchase a handgun, though the state's concealed handgun permit (CHP) and the federal NICS check at licensed dealers still apply.
Any Charlotte ordinance conflicting with N.C.G.S. Sec. 14-409.40 is void. A person whose rights are affected can challenge a non-conforming ordinance in court and obtain declaratory and injunctive relief.
See how Charlotte's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.