Geneva's new rules still allow BB, paintball guns

Geneva will regulate air guns while still allowing people to use paintball guns.

The city council adopted a law Monday night that allows paintball guns as long as the paintballs are .693 of an inch in diameter or smaller.

Aldermen Jim Radecki and Tara Burghart voted against the measure.

Radecki said he agreed with the original proposal from Police Chief Steve Mexin, which was to ban air guns altogether.

Alderman Ron Singer recused himself from the discussion and did not vote.

Mexin had cited concerns about damage from air guns, particularly if people could not or would not keep the projectiles from going off their property and striking people or damaging others' property.

Police were also worried about air guns being mistaken for real guns, even though they have fluorescent-colored tips. The tips can be removed, Mexin said, which could lead police to believe the guns are real when they come across someone bearing them.

Radecki said at an Oct. 26 meeting he agreed with that.

Before this, Geneva city code did not address air guns at all.

The new rules specify the guns may be shot on private property only with the property owner's consent. They may not be shot on public property, unless it is for target practice for a school team, a club or other organization, and then only at a range approved of by the police department.

It also spells out how the weapons are to be stored and carried on public roads and sidewalks.