Beaufort County, January 16, 2026
Beaufort County is deliberating a new ordinance aimed at prohibiting the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of residential areas in Bluffton and Port Royal. This measure comes in response to safety concerns following incidents of errant bullets striking homes. The proposed ordinance includes exceptions but could result in fines or jail time for violations. County officials argue that regulating firearm discharge is necessary due to the growing proximity of residential neighborhoods to previously unregulated, rural areas.
Bluffton and Port Royal – Beaufort County is currently considering a new ordinance that would significantly restrict the discharge of firearms in certain unincorporated areas, particularly near residential zones in Bluffton and Port Royal. This consideration follows multiple reports from residents concerning errant bullets impacting homes and raising public safety concerns.
Proposed Firearm Discharge Restrictions
The draft ordinance, under review by the Beaufort County Council’s Public Facilities and Safety Committee, aims to make it unlawful to discharge firearms within a 500-foot radius of any building, dwelling, park, or playground. An exception would be granted if the owner or occupants of such properties provide explicit permission.
Penalties for Violations
Violations of this proposed ordinance could result in a penalty of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Key Exemptions
The proposed ban includes several exemptions. These exceptions would permit firearm discharge for activities such as defending life or property, shooting nuisance animals, at permitted shooting ranges, and for law enforcement or wildlife officials.
Recent Incidents Sparking Concern
The impetus for this proposed ordinance stems from several incidents of errant gunfire. Just before Christmas, a house in the Shadow Moss neighborhood of Port Royal was struck by five bullets. These rounds were reportedly fired from a high-powered rifle at a target located approximately 400 feet away in an unincorporated area of Beaufort County. Port Royal officials highlighted this close call at a recent public meeting, emphasizing the urgent need to address the issue before a tragedy occurs.
Separately, residents of the Lakes at New Riverside community in Bluffton have also voiced complaints about target shooting on nearby property in unincorporated Beaufort County. They reported experiencing daily gunfire into residential areas.
Addressing a Growing Safety Issue
The discussion surrounding the potential ban underscores how rapid population growth and development are increasingly bringing residential neighborhoods into closer proximity with previously rural, unincorporated areas where firearm discharge has been less regulated. While discharging weapons is already illegal in cities and towns like Port Royal and Bluffton, this is not uniformly the case in surrounding unincorporated county areas.
Beaufort County Council members have expressed their concerns regarding the current situation. Councilman Mark Lawson noted that existing state law is not adequately protecting citizens, indicating a need for a county ordinance. Councilman Joe Passimente reported that random bullets have also been an issue in his Sun City neighborhood, with one bullet entering a neighbor’s house. Councilman Jorge Guerrero, a resident of Shadow Moss, highlighted that houses in the area have been struck by bullets from nearby unincorporated areas on multiple occasions, questioning the effectiveness of a 500-foot buffer for high-powered rifles.
Legislative Process and Historical Context
The County Council’s Public Facilities and Safety Committee is scheduled to review the draft ordinance for the first time on February 2. County officials have stated that the proposal is currently a draft and may be subject to changes before it is formally discussed by the committee.
This consideration marks a potential shift in Beaufort County’s approach to firearm regulations. In 2010, county officials indicated no plans to ban firearm discharge, with some council members at the time believing existing state law was sufficient. However, municipalities within the county, including Beaufort, Bluffton, Port Royal, and Hilton Head Island, already had ordinances in place restricting firearm discharge, albeit with varying language and exceptions.
State law in South Carolina prohibits pointing a loaded or unloaded firearm at another person or firing a gun into or at a house. Additionally, state hunting laws restrict hunting within 300 yards of a home, trespassing for hunting purposes, and hunting from a public road. Recently, on March 7, 2024, South Carolina enacted a “Constitutional Carry” law, which allows individuals not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry one openly or concealed without training or a concealed weapons permit. The current county discussion focuses specifically on regulating the safe discharge of firearms in increasingly populated areas, rather than general firearm possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Beaufort County considering regarding firearms?
A: Beaufort County is considering a new ordinance to ban the discharge of firearms in certain unincorporated areas, specifically near residential zones in Bluffton and Port Royal, due to reports of errant bullets.
Q: What would the proposed firearm discharge ban entail?
A: The draft ordinance would make it illegal to discharge firearms within 500 feet of any building, dwelling, park, or playground, unless permission is granted by the owner or occupants.
Q: What are the penalties for violating the proposed ban?
A: Violations of the proposed ordinance could lead to a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the proposed ban?
A: Yes, exceptions would be made for discharging firearms in defense of life or property, shooting nuisance animals, at permitted shooting ranges, and for law enforcement or wildlife officials.
Q: Why is this ordinance being considered now?
A: The ordinance is being considered due to multiple incidents of errant gunfire, including five bullets striking a Port Royal home recently, and reports of daily gunfire in a Bluffton neighborhood. It also addresses concerns arising from population growth bringing residential areas closer to formerly rural, unregulated shooting locations.
Q: When will the draft ordinance be discussed?
A: The County Council’s Public Facilities and Safety Committee is scheduled to consider the draft ordinance for the first time on February 2.
Q: Does this proposal affect areas where firearm discharge is already illegal?
A: No, discharging weapons is generally already illegal in cities and towns such as Port Royal and Bluffton; this proposal specifically targets unincorporated areas of the county.
Key Features of the Proposed Firearm Discharge Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope of Ban | Prohibits firearm discharge within 500 feet of buildings, dwellings, parks, or playgrounds in certain unincorporated areas of Beaufort County. |
| Permission Clause | Discharge is allowed within the 500-foot buffer with the explicit permission of the property owner or occupants. |
| Penalties | Violations may result in a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both. |
| Exemptions | Includes exceptions for defense of life/property, shooting nuisance animals, permitted shooting ranges, and authorized law enforcement/wildlife officials. |
| Geographic Focus | Aims to address issues in unincorporated areas, particularly near Bluffton and Port Royal, where population growth has created proximity conflicts. |
| Current Status | Currently a draft ordinance to be considered by the County Council’s Public Facilities and Safety Committee on February 2. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
