News & Announcements Home
The original item was published from 4/28/2021 8:34:00 PM to 12/27/2021 12:00:01 AM.

News & Announcements

County News

Posted on: April 27, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Loudoun to Implement New Ordinance Banning Firearms in County Facilities

NewsFlash - Firearms Ordinance

Loudoun County is taking steps to enforce the recently amended Chapter 684 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County – Weapons and Explosives, which generally prohibits guns in county buildings, including community and recreation centers, and county-operated parks. The new section, 684.04 Possession of Firearms on County Property, was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on March 2, 2021. 

The ordinance now prohibits the possession, carrying or transportation of any firearm or ammunition in:

  • Buildings owned or used by Loudoun County;
  • Any part of a building used by Loudoun County for public purposes even if not owned by the county; and 
  • Parks owned and operated by Loudoun County.

Exceptions to the new ordinance include:

  • Sworn law enforcement officers;
  • Private security personnel contracted by the county or hired for a county-permitted event;
  • Concealed handgun carry permit holders visiting county parks;
  • Active-duty military personnel performing official duties;
  • Historical reenactors and participants in government-sponsored wildlife management events;
  • Individuals participating in wildlife management activities; and 
  • Lawfully possessed firearms that are stored out of sight in a locked private vehicle.

Signage explaining the new rules is being placed at the entrances to Loudoun County facilities. Security screening stations will be installed at the Loudoun County Government Center and the Shenandoah Building in Leesburg and at the county government’s service center located on Ridgetop Circle in Sterling. Signs prohibiting the carrying of weapons are already in place at preschools operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services in compliance with Section 18.2-308.1 of the Code of Virginia.

The Board of Supervisors adopted changes to Chapter 684 earlier this year after several months of consideration. In September 2020, the Board directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance to implement Section 15.2-915 E of the Code of Virginia, which authorizes localities to prohibit the possession of firearms and ammunition in their facilities. 

More information about the new ordinance and enforcement can be found at loudoun.gov/firearmsordinance.

# # #

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in County News

Link to information about tax relief programs

County Accepting Property Tax Exemption Applications from Charitable Nonprofits

Posted on: March 1, 2024 | Last Modified on: February 26, 2019
Link to information about Loudoun County's tax relief programs

Loudoun Commissioner of the Revenue to Hold Tax Relief Seminars

Posted on: February 9, 2024 | Last Modified on: February 26, 2019