Air Rifle/Air Gun Ordinance Changes

Over the years, the Police Department has received complaints of property damaged from BBs or pellets from air rifles or air pistols. There is no doubt that some of these incidents were accidental, while it was very obvious others were intentional.

A complaint was recently received from a resident whose kitchen window was broken by a BB or pellet. This in turn prompted a discussion at the Village Board level about the Village's Ordinance pertaining to possessing and discharging BB or pellet guns in the Village. The Ordinance stated that possession of BB or pellet guns was permitted as long as the BBs or pellets were discharged on the gun owner’s property and did not leave that property. Lincolnshire was one of very few municipalities in the area that allowed for the discharge of a BB or pellet gun in the Village or private property. Unfortunately, however, accidents do happen.

After several discussions at recent Village Board meetings, it was the consensus of the Board of Trustees to prohibit the discharge of these guns anywhere in the Village. It was felt that there was no practical reason to allow for their discharge in the Village and the potential for property to be damaged, or worse yet, for someone to be injured was greater than the luxury of shooting these guns.

It is against the law to discharge a BB or pellet gun anywhere in the Village, including on your own property. It is permissible,. however, to discharge a paintball gun or "AirSoft" gun on your own property or the private property of another with their permission, as long as the paintball or AirSoft pellet does not leave the property.

Also, any of these types of guns cannot be transported or possessed outside of the residence unless the guns are broken down in a nonfunctioning state, are not immediately accessible, or are in a carrying case or container.

For more information on this Ordinance, please contact the Police Department at 847-883-9900.