North Carolina generally permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit, but local discharge ordinances and posted-property restrictions may apply under state law.
North Carolina has no statute prohibiting the open carry of firearms by adults who can lawfully possess them, and case law confirms open carry as a recognized practice. NCGS 14-269 only criminalizes carrying a concealed weapon, not open carry. However, NCGS 14-277.2 prohibits carrying firearms at parades, funerals, demonstrations, and similar public assemblies. Private property owners may post against open carry, and federal facilities, schools, and state-restricted areas remain off-limits regardless of how the firearm is carried.
Open carry at a prohibited assembly under NCGS 14-277.2 is a Class 1 misdemeanor; trespass on posted property may add additional charges.
Durham, NC
Durham caps daytime sound at 60 dBA (8 AM to 11 PM) and nighttime sound at 50 dBA (11 PM to 8 AM) under Ch. 26, Sec. 26-23. Measured at property line using A...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
See how Durham's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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