Wake County, NC Firearms: Local Firearms Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Distance
- 300 yards
- Night ban
- 10 PM - 7 AM
- Backstop
- Required
- Permission
- 1-year max
- Effective
- Dec 9, 2022
Summary
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.
§ 130.05 FIREARM DISCHARGE STANDARDS. It is unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm within 300 yards of any dwelling owned and/or occupied by another unless the person first procures the written permission of the owner or occupant of the dwelling. It is unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm within 300 yards of any building reasonably likely to be occupied, including, but not limited to, any school, church, warehouse or any playground or park. Discharge of a firearm is prohibited from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.
Full Breakdown
Wake County's Firearms Ordinance Chapter 130 increased the historic 100-yard separation to 300 yards from any dwelling owned or occupied by another, any school, church, warehouse, playground, or park. Additional requirements: projectiles must be contained on the property via an adequate backstop; only fixed, stationary targets may be fired upon; written permission from a dwelling owner is valid for no more than one year. Nighttime discharge between 10 PM and 7 AM is prohibited entirely. The ordinance applies in unincorporated Wake County; NC state law (NCGS §14-269.2) preempts much firearm regulation in cities. NCGS §160A-189 generally preempts municipal firearm rules but allows counties to regulate discharge.
Violations & Fines
Class 3 misdemeanor under §130.05: fine up to $500 + jail up to 30 days. Each discharge is a separate offense. Wake County Sheriff enforces; County GIS verifies distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot in my backyard in unincorporated Wake?
How do I check 300 yards?
Does this apply inside Raleigh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wake County
Compare Wake County to another location·View the North Carolina firearms overview
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