WEAPONS

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland pt. SIX, tit. I, ch. 627

in effect

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.01 Definitions

§ 627.01 Definitions As used in this chapter: (a) "Automatic firearm" means any firearm designed or specially adapted to fire a succession of cartridges with a single function of the trigger. (b) "Ballistic knife" means a knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism. (c) "Concealed handgun license" or "license to carry a concealed handgun" means: (1) Subject to this section, a license or temporary emergency license to carry a concealed handgun issued under RC 2923.125 or RC 2923.1213 or a license to carry a concealed handgun issued by another state with which the attorney general has entered into a reciprocity agreement under RC 109.69. (2) A reference in any provision of this Code to a concealed handgun license issued under RC 2923.125 or a license to carry a concealed handgun issued under RC 2923.125 means only a license of the type that is specified in that section. A reference in any provision of this Code to a concealed handgun license issued under RC 2923.1213, a license to carry a concealed handgun issued under RC 2923.1213, or a license to carry a concealed handgun on a temporary emergency basis means only a license of the type that is specified in RC 2923.1213. A reference in any provision of this Code to a concealed handgun license issued by another state or a license to carry a concealed handgun issued by another state means only a license issued by another state with which the attorney general has entered into a reciprocity agreement under RC 109.69. (d) "Dangerous ordnance": (1) Means any of the following, except as otherwise provided in this section: A. Any automatic or sawed-off firearm, zip-gun, or ballistic knife; B. Any explosive device or incendiary device: C. Nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, nitrostarch, PETN, cyclonite, TNT, picric acid, and other high explosives; amatol, tritonal, tetrytol, pentolite, pecretol, cyclotol, and other high explosive compositions; plastic explosives; dynamite, blasting gelatin, gelatin dynamite, sensitized ammonium nitrate, liquid-oxygen blasting explosives, blasting powder, and other blasting agents; and any other explosive substance having sufficient brisance or power to be particularly suitable for use as a military explosive, or for use in mining, quarrying, excavating, or demolitions; D. Any firearm, rocket launcher, mortar, artillery piece, grenade, mine, bomb, torpedo, or similar weapon, designed and manufactured for military purposes, and the ammunition for that weapon; E. Any firearm muffler or silencer; F. Any combination of parts that is intended by the owner for use in converting any firearm or other device into a dangerous ordinance. (2) Does not include any of the following: A. Any firearm, including a military weapon and the ammunition for that weapon, and regardless of its actual age, that employs a percussion cap or other obsolete ignition system, or that is designed and safe for use only with black powder; B. Any pistol, rifle, or shotgun, designed or suitable for sporting purposes, including a military weapon as issued or as modified, and the ammunition for that weapon, unless the firearm is an automatic or sawed-off firearm; C. Any cannon or other artillery piece that, regardless of its actual age, is of a type in accepted use prior to 1887, has no mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other system for absorbing recoil and returning the tube into battery without displacing the carriage, and is designed and safe for use only with black powder; D. Black powder, priming quills, and percussion caps possessed and lawfully used to fire a cannon on a type defined in this division during displays, celebrations, organized matches or shoots, and target practice, and smokeless and black powder, primers, and percussion caps possessed and lawfully used as a propellant or ignition device in small-arms or small-arms ammunition; E. Dangerous ordnance that is inoperable or inert and cannot readily be rendered operable or activated, and that is kept as a trophy, souvenir, curio, or museum piece. F. Any device that is expressly excepted from the definition of a destructive device pursuant to the "Gun Control Act of 1968," 82 Stat. 1213, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(4), as amended, and regulations issued under that act. (e) "Deadly weapon" means any instrument, device or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon. (f) "Explosive" means any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. "Explosive" includes all materials that have been classified as division 1.1, division 1.2, division 1.3, or division 1.4 explosives by the United States Department of Transportation in its regulations and includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powders, initiating explosives, blasting caps, electric blasting caps, safety fuses, fuse igniters, squibs, cordeau detonant fuses, instantaneous fuses, and igniter cords and igniters. "Explosive" does not include "fireworks," as defined in RC 3743.01, or any substance or material otherwise meeting the definition of explosive set forth in this section that is manufactured, sold, possessed, transported, stored, or used in any activity described in RC 3743.80, provided the activity is conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited, the provisions of RC 3743.80 and the rules of the fire marshal adopted pursuant to RC 3737.82. (g) "Explosive device" means any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of an explosion, and consisting of an explosive substance or agency and a means to detonate it. "Explosive device" includes without limitation any bomb, any explosive demolition device, any blasting cap or detonator containing an explosive charge, and any pressure vessel that has been knowingly tampered with or arranged so as to explode. (h) (1) "Firearm" means any deadly weapon capable of expelling or propelling one (1) or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant. "Firearm" includes an unloaded firearm, and any firearm that is inoperable but that can readily be rendered operable. (2) When determining whether a firearm is capable of expelling or propelling one (1) or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant, the trier of fact may rely upon circumstantial evidence, including, but not limited to, the representations and actions of the individual exercising control over the firearm. (i) "Handgun" means any of the following: (1) Any firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand; (2) Any combination of parts from which a firearm of a type described in this division can be assembled. (j) "Incendiary device" means any firebomb, and any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of fire, and consisting of an incendiary substance or agency and a means to ignite it. (k) "Sawed-off-firearm" means a shotgun with a barrel less than eighteen (18) inches long, or a rifle with a barrel less than sixteen (16) inches long, or a shotgun or rifle less than twenty-six (26) inches long overall. (l) "Semi-automatic firearm" means any firearm designed or specially adapted to fire a single cartridge and automatically chamber a succeeding cartridge ready to fire, with a single function of the trigger. (m) "Valid concealed handgun license" or "valid license to carry a concealed handgun" means a concealed handgun license that is currently valid, that is not under a suspension under division (A)(1) of RC 2923.128, under RC 2923.1213, or under a suspension provision of the state, other than this state in which the license was issued, and that has not been revoked under division (B)(1) of RC 2923.128, under RC 2923.1213, or under a revocation provision of the state other than this state in which the license was issued. (n) "Zip-gun" means any of the following: (1) Any firearm of crude and extemporized manufacture; (2) Any device, including without limitation a starter's pistol, that is not designed as a firearm, but that is specially adapted for use as a firearm; (3) Any industrial tool, signaling device, or safety device, that is not designed as a firearm, but that as designed is capable of use as such, when possessed, carried, or used as a firearm. (Ord. No. 1263-16. Passed 6-5-17, eff. 6-7-17) Statutory reference: Similar state law, see RC 2923.11

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.02 Carrying Concealed Weapons

§ 627.02 Carrying Concealed Weapons (a) No person shall knowingly carry or have, concealed on the person's person or concealed ready at hand, any of the following: (1) A deadly weapon other than a handgun; (2) A handgun other than a dangerous ordnance; (3) A dangerous ordnance. (b) No person who has been issued a concealed handgun license shall do any of the following: (1) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun, fail to promptly inform any law enforcement officer who approaches the person after the person has been stopped that the person has been issued a concealed handgun license and that the person then is carrying a concealed handgun; (2) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun, knowingly fail to keep the person's hands in plain sight at any time after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the person while stopped and before the law enforcement officer leaves, unless the failure is pursuant to and in accordance with directions given by a law enforcement officer; (3) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun, knowingly disregard or fail to comply with any lawful order of any law enforcement officer given while the person is stopped, including, but not limited to, a specific order to the person to keep the person's hands in plain sight. (c) (1) This section does not apply to any of the following: A. An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States, or to a law enforcement officer, who is authorized to carry concealed weapons or dangerous ordnance or is authorized to carry handguns and is acting within the scope of the officer's agent's, or employee's duties; B. Any person who is employed in this state, who is authorized to carry concealed weapons or dangerous ordnance or is authorized to carry handguns, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of RC 109.801, unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in this section does not apply to the person; C. A person's transportation or storage of a firearm, other than a firearm described in divisions (b), (d), (f), (g), (j) and (n) of Section 627.01 of this Code, in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose if the firearm is not on the actor's person; D. A person's storage or possession of a firearm, other than a firearm described in divisions (b), (d), (f), (g), (j) and (n) of Section 627.01 of this Code, in the actor's own home for any lawful purpose. (2) Division (a)(2) of this section does not apply to any person who, at the time of the alleged carrying or possession of a handgun, is carrying a valid concealed handgun license, unless the person knowingly is in a place described in division (B) of RC 2923.126. (d) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section of carrying or having control of a weapon other than a handgun and other than a dangerous ordnance that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from having the weapon and that any of the following applies: (1) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes while the actor was engaged in or was going to or from the actor's lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of a character or was necessarily carried on in a manner or at a time or place as to render the actor particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed. (2) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes while the actor was engaged in a lawful activity and had reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack upon the actor, a member of the actor's family, or the actor's home, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed. (3) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for any lawful purpose and while in the actor's own home. (e) No person who is charged with a violation of this section shall be required to obtain a concealed handgun license as a condition for the dismissal of the charge. (f) (1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of carrying concealed weapons. Except as otherwise provided in this division or division (f)(2) of this section, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. This section shall not apply in any case in which the conduct constitutes a felony under the laws of the State of Ohio. (2) If a person being arrested for a violation of division (a)(2) of this section promptly produces a valid concealed handgun license, and if at the time of the violation the person was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of RC 2923.126, the officer shall not arrest the person for a violation of that division. If the person is not able to promptly produce any concealed handgun license and if the person is not in a place described in that section, the officer may arrest the person for a violation of that division, and the offender shall be punished as follows: A. The offender shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor if both of the following apply: 1. Within ten (10) days after the arrest, the offender presents a concealed handgun license, which license was valid at the time of the arrest to the law enforcement agency that employs the arresting officer. 2. At the time of the arrest, the offender was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of RC 2923.126. B. The offender shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500.00) if all of the following apply: 1. The offender previously had been issued a concealed handgun license, and that license expired within the two (2) years immediately preceding the arrest. 2. Within forty-five (45) days after the arrest, the offender presents a concealed handgun license to the law enforcement agency that employed the arresting officer, and the offender waives in writing the offender's right to a speedy trial on the charge of the violation that is provided in RC 2945.71. 3. At the time of the commission of the offense, the offender was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of RC 2923.126. C. If neither division (f)(2)A. nor (f)(2)B. of this section applies, the offender shall be punished under division (f)(1) of this section. (3) Except as otherwise provided in this division, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (b)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree, and, in addition to any other penalty or sanction imposed for a violation of division (b)(1) of this section, the offender's concealed handgun license shall be suspended pursuant to division (A)(2) of RC 2923.128. If, at the time of the stop of the offender for a law enforcement purpose that was the basis of the violation, any law enforcement officer involved with the stop had actual knowledge that the offender has been issued a concealed handgun license, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (b)(1) of this section is a minor misdemeanor, and the offender's concealed handgun license shall not be suspended pursuant to division (A)(2) of RC 2923.128. (4) Carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition to any other penalty or sanction imposed for misdemeanor violation of division (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section, the offender's concealed handgun license shall be suspended pursuant to division (A)(2) of RC 2923.128. (g) If a law enforcement officer stops a person to question the person regarding a possible violation of this section, for a traffic stop, or for any other law enforcement purpose, if the person surrenders a firearm to the officer, either voluntarily or pursuant to a request or demand of the officer, and if the officer does not charge the person with a violation of this section or arrest the person for any offense, the person is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, and the firearm is not contraband, the officer shall return the firearm to the person at the termination of the stop. If a court orders a law enforcement officer to return a firearm to a person pursuant to the requirement set forth in this division, division (B) of RC 2923.163 applies. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15) Statutory reference: Similar state law, see RC 2923.12

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.03 Reserved (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.04 Using Weapons While Intoxicated

§ 627.04 Using Weapons While Intoxicated (a) No person, while under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse, shall carry or use any firearm or dangerous ordnance. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of using weapons while intoxicated, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (RC 2923.15; Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.05 Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle

§ 627.05 Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle (a) No person shall knowingly transport or have a firearm in a motor vehicle, unless the person may lawfully possess that firearm under applicable law of this state or the United States, the firearm is unloaded, and the firearm is carried in one (1) of the following ways: (1) In a closed package, box, or case; (2) In a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle; (3) In plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for the purpose; (4) If the firearm is at least twenty-four (24) inches in overall length as measured from the muzzle to the part of the stock furthest from the muzzle and if the barrel is at least eighteen (18) inches in length, either in plain sight with the action open or the weapon stripped, or if the firearm is of a type on which the action will not stay open or which cannot easily be stripped, in plain sight. (b) No person who has been issued a concealed handgun license, who is the driver or an occupant of a motor vehicle that is stopped as a result of a traffic stop or a stop for another law enforcement purpose or is the driver or an occupant of a commercial motor vehicle that is stopped by an employee of the motor carrier enforcement unit for the purposes defined in RC 5503.34, and who is transporting or has a loaded handgun in the motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle in any manner, shall do any of the following: (1) Fail to promptly inform any law enforcement officer who approaches the vehicle while stopped that the person has been issued a concealed handgun license and that the person then possesses or has a loaded handgun in the motor vehicle; (2) Fail to promptly inform the employee of the unit who approaches the vehicle while stopped that the person has been issued a concealed handgun license and that the person then possesses or has a loaded handgun in the commercial motor vehicle; (3) Knowingly fail to remain in the motor vehicle while stopped or knowingly fail to keep the person's hands in plain sight at any time after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the person while stopped and before the law enforcement officer leaves, unless the failure is pursuant to and in accordance with directions given by a law enforcement officer; (4) Knowingly disregard or fail to comply with any lawful order of any law enforcement officer given while the motor vehicle is stopped, including, but not limited to, a specific order to the person to keep the person's hands in plain sight. (c) (1) Divisions (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to any of the following: A. An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States, or a law enforcement officer, when authorized to carry or have loaded or accessible firearms in motor vehicles and acting within the scope of the officer's, agent's, or employee's duties; B. Any person who is employed in this state, who is authorized to carry or have loaded or accessible firearms in motor vehicles, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of RC 109.801, unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in this division does not apply to the person. (2) Division (a) of this section does not apply to a person who transports or possesses a handgun in a motor vehicle if, at the time of that transportation or possession, both of the following apply: A. The person transporting or possessing the handgun is carrying a valid concealed handgun license. B. The person transporting or possessing the handgun is not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of RC 2923.126. (3) Division (a) of this section does not apply to a person if all of the following apply: A. The person possesses a valid electric-powered all-purpose vehicle permit issued under RC 1533.103 by the Chief of the Division of Wildlife. B. The person is on or in an electric-powered all-purpose vehicle as defined in RC 1531.01 or a motor vehicle during the open hunting season for a wild quadruped or game bird. C. The person is on or in an electric-powered all-purpose vehicle as defined in RC 1531.01 or a motor vehicle that is parked on a road that is owned or administered by the Division of Wildlife, provided that the road is identified by an electric-powered all-purpose vehicle sign. (d) (1) The affirmative defenses authorized in divisions (d)(1) and (d)(2) of Section 627.02 are affirmative defenses to a charge under division (a) of this section that involves a firearm other than a handgun. (2) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under division (a) of this section of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle that the actor transported or had the firearm in the motor vehicle for any lawful purpose and while the motor vehicle was on the actor's own property, provided that this affirmative defense is not available unless the person, immediately prior to arriving at the actor's own property, did not transport or possess the firearm in a motor vehicle in a manner prohibited by division (a) of this section while the motor vehicle was being operated on a street, highway, or other public or private property used by the public for vehicular traffic. (e) No person who is charged with a violation of division (a) of this section shall be required to obtain a concealed handgun license as a condition for the dismissal of the charge. (f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. Violation of division (a) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Except as otherwise provided in this division, a violation of division (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree, and, in addition to any other penalty or sanction imposed for the violation, the offender's concealed handgun license shall be suspended pursuant to division (A)(2) of RC 2923.128. If at the time of the stop of the offender for a traffic stop, for another law enforcement purpose, or for a purpose defined in RC 5503.34 that was the basis of the violation any law enforcement officer involved with the stop or the employee of the motor carrier enforcement unit who made the stop had actual knowledge of the offender's status as a licensee, a violation of division (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section is a minor misdemeanor, and the offender's concealed handgun license shall not be suspended pursuant to division (A)(2) of RC 2923.128. A violation of division (b)(3) or (b)(4) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition to any other penalty or sanction imposed for a misdemeanor violation of division (b)(3) or (b)(4) of this section, the offender's concealed handgun license shall be suspended pursuant to division (A)(2) of RC 2923.128. (g) If a law enforcement officer stops a motor vehicle for a traffic stop or any other purpose, if any person in the motor vehicle surrenders a firearm to the officer, either voluntarily or pursuant to a request or demand of the officer, and if the officer does not charge the person with a violation of this section or arrest the person for any offense, the person is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, and the firearm is not contraband, the officer shall return the firearm to the person at the termination of the stop. If a court orders a law enforcement officer to return a firearm to a person pursuant to the requirement set forth in this division, division (B) of RC 2923.163 applies. (h) As used in this section: (1) "Motor vehicle", "street," and "highway" have the same meanings as in RC 4511.01. (2) "Unloaded" means: A. With respect to a firearm other than a firearm described in division (h)(3) of this section, that no ammunition is in the firearm in question, no magazine or speed loader containing ammunition is inserted into the firearm in question, and one (1) of the following applies: 1. There is no ammunition in a magazine or speed loader that is in the vehicle in question and that may be used with the firearm in question. 2. Any magazine or speed loader that contains ammunition and that may be used with the firearm in question is stored in a compartment within the vehicle in question that cannot be accessed without leaving the vehicle or is stored in a container that provides complete and separate enclosure. B. For the purposes of division (h)(2)A.2. of this section, a "container that provides complete and separate enclosure" includes, but is not limited to, any of the following: 1. A package, box, or case with multiple compartments, as long as the loaded magazine or speed loader and the firearm in question either are in separate compartments within the package, box, or case, or, if they are in the same compartment, the magazine or speed loader is contained within a separate enclosure in that compartment that does not contain the firearm and that closes using a snap, button, buckle, zipper, hook and loop closing mechanism, or other fastener that must be opened to access the contents or the firearm is contained within a separate enclosure of that nature in that compartment that does not contain the magazine or speed loader; 2. A pocket or other enclosure on the person of the person in question that closes using a snap, button, buckle, zipper, hook and loop closing mechanism, or other fastener that must be opened to access the contents. C. For the purposes of division (h)(2)A. and (h)(2)B. of this section, ammunition held in stripper-clips or in en-bloc clips is not considered ammunition that is loaded into a magazine or speed loader. (3) "Unloaded" means, with respect to a firearm employing a percussion cap, flintlock, or other obsolete ignition system, when the weapon is uncapped or when the priming charge is removed from the pan. (4) "Commercial motor vehicle" has the same meaning as in division (A) of RC 4506.25. (5) "Motor carrier enforcement unit" means the motor carrier enforcement unit in the Department of Public Safety, Division of State Highway Patrol, that is created by RC 5503.34. (i) Divisions (h)(2)A. and (h)(2)B. of this section do not affect the authority of a person who is carrying a valid concealed handgun license to have one (1) or more magazines or speed loaders containing ammunition anywhere in a vehicle, without being transported as described in those divisions, as long as no ammunition is in a firearm, other than a handgun, in the vehicle other than as permitted under any other provision of this chapter. A person who is carrying a valid concealed handgun license may have one (1) or more magazines or speed loaders containing ammunition anywhere in a vehicle without further restriction, as long as no ammunition is in a firearm, other than a handgun, in the vehicle other than as permitted under any provision of this chapter. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15) Statutory reference: Similar state law, see RC 2923.16

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.06 Failure to Secure Dangerous Ordnance

§ 627.06 Failure to Secure Dangerous Ordnance (a) No person, in acquiring, possessing, carrying, or using any dangerous ordnance shall negligently fail to take proper precautions: (1) To secure the dangerous ordnance against theft or against its acquisition or use by any unauthorized or incompetent person; (2) To insure the safety of persons and property. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of failure to secure dangerous ordnance, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (RC 2923.19; Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.07 Improperly Providing Access to Firearms to a Minor

§ 627.07 Improperly Providing Access to Firearms to a Minor (a) No person shall leave a firearm so as to allow access to the firearm by a person who is under eighteen (18) years of age, except for lawful hunting, sporting, or educational purposes, including, but not limited to, instruction in firearm or handgun safety, care, handling, or marksmanship under the supervision and control of a responsible adult. (b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, and shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and imprisoned one hundred and eighty (180) days. The Court shall not suspend all or any portion of the fine and imprisonment. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.08 Underage Purchase of Handgun

§ 627.08 Underage Purchase of Handgun (a) No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall purchase or attempt to purchase a handgun, provided that this division does not apply to the purchase or attempted purchase of a handgun by a person eighteen years (18) of age or older and under twenty-one (21) years of age if either of the following apply: (1) The person is a law enforcement officer who is properly appointed or employed as a law enforcement officer and has received firearms training approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council or equivalent firearms training. (2) The person is an active or reserve member of the armed services of the United States or the Ohio National Guard, or was honorably discharged from military service in the active or reserve armed services of the United States or the Ohio National Guard, and the person has received firearms training from the armed services or the national guard or equivalent firearms training. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of underage purchase of a handgun, a misdemeanor of the second degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15) Statutory reference: Similar state law, see RC 2923.211

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.09 Improperly Discharging a Firearm on or near Prohibited Premises

§ 627.09 Improperly Discharging a Firearm on or near Prohibited Premises (a) No person shall do any of the following: (1) Without permission from the proper officials and subject to division (b)(4) of this section, discharge a firearm upon or over a cemetery or within one hundred (100) yards of a cemetery; (2) Subject to division (b)(5) of this section, discharge a firearm on a lawn, park, pleasure ground, orchard, or other ground appurtenant to a schoolhouse, church, or inhabited dwelling, the property of another, or a charitable institution; (3) Discharge a firearm upon or over a public road or highway; (4) Discharge a firearm within five hundred (500) feet of the grounds of any park, playground, or recreation center owned by the City. (b) This section does not apply to the following: (1) A person acting in self-defense or otherwise with privilege to do so; (2) A law enforcement or corrections officer acting within the course and scope of the officer's employment or official duties; (3) Security personnel acting within the course and scope of their employment; (4) A person who, while on the person's own property, discharges a firearm; and (5) A person who owns any type of property described in division (a)(2) and who, while on the person's own enclosure, discharges a firearm. (c) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and imprisoned for one hundred and eighty (180) days. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15) Statutory reference: Similar state law, see RC 2923.162

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.10 Prohibited Weapons on School Property; Duty to Notify Police

§ 627.10 Prohibited Weapons on School Property; Duty to Notify Police (a) Subject to division (b) of this section, any school official or employee who discovers a prohibited weapon upon school grounds or in a school building shall immediately notify the Chief of Police or his or her designee and request the assistance of the Division of Police. (b) Division (a) of this section shall not apply: (1) To any school official or employee who has personal knowledge that the notification required by division (a) has already been given with respect to a particular discovery of a particular prohibited weapon; or (2) When the prohibited weapon is in the possession of an officer, agent or employee of this or any other state or the United States, members of the armed forces of the United States or the organized militia of this or any other state, or law enforcement officers, as defined in division (k) of Section 601.01, to the extent that any such person is authorized to possess a prohibited weapon and is acting within the scope of his or her duties. (c) Any school official or employee who fails to comply with division (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. (d) For purposes of this section, a "prohibited weapon" is any weapon defined, described, or listed in any division of Section 627.01, Section 627.15, Section 627.21, Section 627.22, Section 627.24, or Section 627.25. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.11 Possessing Certain Weapons at or about Public Places

§ 627.11 Possessing Certain Weapons at or about Public Places (a) No person shall knowingly carry, have in his or her possession or ready at hand any BB gun, pellet gun, knife having a blade two and one-half (2-1/2) inches in length or longer, brass knuckles, cestus, billy, karate stick, blackjack, sword or saber while at or about a public place. (b) As used in this section, "public place" means any place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment or other lawful purpose, but does not necessarily mean a place devoted solely to the uses of the public. It also includes the front or immediate area of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern or other place of business and any grounds, areas or parks where persons would congregate. (c) This section does not apply to officers, agents or employees of this or any other state or the United States, to law enforcement officers authorized to carry or possess deadly weapons or to persons with private or special police commissions, and acting within the scope of their duties. (d) This section shall not apply if any weapon in division (a) of this section was part of a public weapon display, show or exhibition, or was in the possession of a person participating in an organized match, competition or practice session. (e) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the weapon, and that the weapon was kept ready at hand by the actor for defense purposes, while he or she was engaged in his or her lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of such character or at such a place as to render the actor particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person in having the weapon ready at hand. (f) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a knife having a blade two and one-half (2-1/2) inches in length or longer, and that either (i) the actor at the time was engaged in a lawful business or pursuit and that business or pursuit requires a knife having a blade two and one-half (2-1/2) inches in length or longer as a tool of trade or pursuit, or (ii) the knife having a blade two and one-half (2-1/2) inches in length or longer was kept ready at hand by the actor for defense purposes, while he or she was engaged in his or her lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of such character or at such a place as to render the actor particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person in having such a knife ready at hand. (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 601.13 and division (a) of Section 601.99, whoever violates this section is guilty of possessing certain weapons on or about public places, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.12 Seizure and Confiscation of Deadly Weapon

§ 627.12 Seizure and Confiscation of Deadly Weapon (a) In any situation where a deadly weapon is present and a person has been drinking or disturbing the peace, threatening bodily harm or causing or threatening a disturbance or violence, and there is reasonable cause for the investigating police officer to believe that such deadly weapon may be used to cause bodily harm, such deadly weapon may be seized by the police and kept in the custody of the Chief of Police. (b) After confiscation, any deadly weapon seized by a police officer shall be promptly returned to the person from whom it was seized if no complaint, indictment, or charge is issued against the person. However, any deadly weapon seized which has been reported stolen shall be returned to the owner thereof, unless possession by the owner would constitute a violation of any provision of these Codified Ordinances or of state or federal law. (c) Any deadly weapon seized by a police officer upon the arrest of any person, firm or corporation charged with a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, or any felony or misdemeanor involving the use of a deadly weapon or the use of force or violence or the threat of the use of force or violence against the person of another, shall be confiscated by the Division of Police subject to the provisions of RC 2981.04. (d) If the deadly weapon is a firearm, the Division of Police shall maintain the integrity and identity of the firearm in such a manner so that if the firearm subsequently is to be returned to the person it can be identified and returned to the person in the same condition it was in when it was seized. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.13 Reporting Transfers of Firearms

§ 627.13 Reporting Transfers of Firearms (a) Effective November 1, 2015, except for transfers involving a licensed gun dealer, or taking place at an event held by a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the state of Ohio for the purpose of hosting gun collectors in a venue with a minimum of one hundred (100) participants, no person shall sell or transfer a firearm without reporting the sale or transfer to the Division of Police. The Director of Public Safety may promulgate rules and regulations governing the reporting process. (b) Effective November 1, 2015, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.14 Defacing Identification Marks of Firearms; Possessing Defaced Firearm

§ 627.14 Defacing Identification Marks of Firearms; Possessing Defaced Firearm (a) No person shall do either of the following: (1) Change, alter, remove, or obliterate the name of the manufacturer, model, manufacturer's serial number, or other mark of identification on a firearm. (2) Possess a firearm knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the name of the manufacturer, model, manufacturer's serial number, or other mark of identification on the firearm has been changed, altered, removed, or obliterated. (b) (1) Whoever violates division (a)(1) of this section is guilty of defacing identification marks of a firearm. Except as otherwise provided in this division, defacing identification marks of a firearm is a misdemeanor of the first degree if the offender has not previously been convicted of or pleaded to guilty to a violation of division (a)(1) of this section. (2) Whoever violates division (a)(2) of this section is guilty of possessing a defaced firearm. Except as otherwise provided in this division, possessing a defaced firearm is a misdemeanor of the first degree if the offender has not previously been convicted of or pleaded to guilty to a violation of division (a)(2) of this section. (c) Division (a) of this section does not apply to any firearm on which no manufacturer's serial number was inscribed at the time of its manufacture. (RC 2923.201; Ord. No. 1263-16. Passed 6-5-17, eff. 6-7-17)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.15 Unlawful Transactions in Weapons

§ 627.15 Unlawful Transactions in Weapons (a) No person shall: (1) Manufacture, possess for sale, sell or furnish to any person other than a law enforcement agency for authorized use in police work, any brass knuckles, cestus, billy, blackjack, sandbag, switchblade knife, springblade knife, gravity knife or spring-loaded weapon capable of propelling a knife or knifelike projectile, including, but not limited to, a ballistic knife (sometimes referred to commonly as a KGB knife) or similar weapon and/or advanced martial arts weapons, including, but not limited to shurikan (throwing star), nunchuck, sword, knife, staff, Tonfa, Kama, and Sai and/or other similar weapons. This paragraph does not apply to the possession and/or use of advanced martial arts weapons on the premises of a recognized martial arts school or during the time such weapons are being transported directly to or from such premises. (2) As used in paragraph (a)(1) hereof, the following designated martial arts weapons are defined as follows: A. "Nunchuck" – two (2) pieces of hardwood sticks, generally equal in size and weight, held together by a piece of string, leather or chain. B. "Sword" – a weapon with a long blade for cutting or thrusting designed, manufactured or marketed as a martial arts weapon. C. "Knife" – a weapon consisting of a single- or double-edged short blade for cutting or throwing and designed, manufactured or marketed as a martial arts weapon. D. "Staff" – a hardwood stick the size of which can vary from two (2) to six (6) feet in length which can be used to strike, to block, to jab, to hold and throw an opponent. E. "Tonfa" – a hardwood shaft which measures about seventeen (17) inches in length with a handle approximately four and one-half (4-1/2) inches in length affixed to the shaft. F. "Kama" – an instrument consisting of a handle with a long curved single-edged blade affixed at the end of the handle. G. "Sai" – a piece of steel or heavy metal that is approximately twelve (12) inches in length with a pointed or blunted end and two (2) prongs that extend down from the blade to form a handle and a protection for strikes. (3) When transferring any dangerous ordnance to another, negligently fail to require the transferee to exhibit such identification, license or permit showing him or her to be authorized to acquire dangerous ordnance pursuant to RC 2923.17, or negligently fail to take a complete record of the transaction and forthwith forward a copy of such record to the sheriff of the county or safety director or police chief of the municipality where the transaction takes place; (4) Knowingly fail to report to law enforcement authorities forthwith the loss or theft of any firearm or dangerous ordnance in the person's possession or under the person's control. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful transactions in weapons. Violation of subsection (a)(1) or (a)(3) hereof is a misdemeanor of the second degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 601.13 or division (a) of 601.99, violation of subsection (a)(4) is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.16 Prohibition Against Transferring Firearms or Dangerous Ordnance to a Felon or Intoxicated Person

§ 627.16 Prohibition Against Transferring Firearms or Dangerous Ordnance to a Felon or Intoxicated Person (a) No person shall negligently sell, lend, give, or furnish any firearm to any person prohibited by RC 2923.13 or RC 2923.15 from acquiring or using a firearm, or negligently sell, lend, give, or furnish any dangerous ordnance to any person prohibited by RC 2923.13, RC 2923.15, or RC 2923.17 from acquiring or using any dangerous ordnance. (b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.17 Voluntary Surrender of Firearms and Dangerous Ordnance

§ 627.17 Voluntary Surrender of Firearms and Dangerous Ordnance (a) No person who acquires, possesses, or carries a firearm or dangerous ordnance in violation of RC 2923.13 or RC 2923.17 shall be prosecuted for such violation, if he or she reports his or her possession of firearms or dangerous ordnance to any law enforcement authority, describes the firearms or dangerous ordnance in his or her possession and where they may be found, and voluntarily surrenders the firearms or dangerous ordnance to the law enforcement authority. A surrender is not voluntary if it occurs when the person is taken into custody or during a pursuit or attempt to take the person into custody under circumstances indicating that the surrender is made under threat of force. (b) Any firearm or dangerous ordnance, declared to be illegal under the provisions of RC 2923.20 may be disposed of by presenting the firearm or dangerous ordnance by the person owning or possessing it, at any district police station in the City of Cleveland, at the Central Police Station or the Detective Bureau of the Division of Police. (c) No person disposing of a firearm or dangerous ordnance in the manner and at the places herein designated shall be required to make any written or oral statement or report concerning the firearm or dangerous ordnance or the circumstances surrounding its acquisition, possession or present or past ownership. Receipt can be made available upon request. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.18 Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms

§ 627.18 Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms (a) No person who resides in the City shall fail to report to the Division of Police the theft or loss of a firearm he or she owns or possesses within forty-eight (48) hours of the time he or she knew or should have known that the firearm had been stolen or lost. (b) The report under division (a) shall contain such information as required by the Division of Police which may include the following information: (1) The name, address and social security number of the person owning or having possession of the firearm; (2) The model, caliber, serial number and manufacturer of the firearm; (3) Any registration number for the firearm; (4) The date and place of the theft or loss; and (5) A complete statement of the facts and circumstances surrounding the theft or loss. (c) This section does not apply to: (1) Any law enforcement or corrections agency, or law enforcement or corrections officer acting within the course and scope of the officer's employment or official duties; or (2) A United States Marshall or member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, or a federal or state official, who is required to possess a firearm in the operation of his or her official duties. (d) No person shall knowingly provide false or misleading information pertaining to the loss or theft of a firearm that they own. (e) Any person who violates division (a) or (d) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.19 Facsimile Firearms

§ 627.19 Facsimile Firearms (a) (1) "Firearm" shall have the same meaning as used in Section 627.01 of this chapter. (2) "Replica or facsimile of a firearm" shall mean any device or object made of plastic, wood, metal or any other material which is a replica, facsimile or toy version of, or is otherwise recognizable as, a pistol, revolver, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, rifle, machine gun, rocket launcher or any other firearm. As used in this section, "replica or facsimile of a firearm" shall include, but is not limited to, toy guns, movie props, hobby models (either in kit form or fully assembled), starter pistols, air guns, firearms that are inoperable and cannot readily be rendered operable, or any other device which might reasonably be perceived to be a real firearm. (b) No person shall display, market for sale or sell any replica or facsimile of a firearm in the City. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any replica or facsimile firearm which, because of its distinct color, exaggerated size, or other design feature, cannot reasonably be perceived to be a real firearm. (c) Except in self-defense, no person shall draw, exhibit or brandish a replica or facsimile of a firearm or simulate a firearm in a rude, angry or threatening manner, with the intent to frighten, vex, harass or annoy or with the intent to commit an act which is a crime under the laws of the City, state or federal government against any other person. (d) No person shall draw, exhibit or brandish a replica or facsimile of a firearm or simulate a firearm in the presence of a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, emergency medical technician or paramedic engaged in the performance of his or her duties, when the person committing such brandishing knows or has reason to know that such law enforcement officer, fire fighter, emergency medical technician or paramedic is engaged in the performance of his or her duties. (e) (1) Whoever violates division (b) of this section is guilty of unlawful sale of a replica firearm, a misdemeanor of the third degree. (2) Whoever violates division (c) of this section is guilty of brandishing a replica firearm, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (3) Whoever violates division (d) of this section is guilty of brandishing a replica firearm in the presence of a public safety officer, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.20 Conveyance or Possession of an Object Indistinguishable from a Firearm in a School Safety Zone

§ 627.20 Conveyance or Possession of an Object Indistinguishable from a Firearm in a School Safety Zone (a) No person shall knowingly possess an object in a school safety zone if both of the following apply: (1) The object is indistinguishable from a firearm, whether or not the object is capable of being fired. (2) The person indicates that the person possesses the object and that it is a firearm, or the person knowingly displays or brandishes the object and indicates that it is a firearm. (b) Division (a) of this section does not apply to premises upon which home schooling is conducted. Division (a) of this section also does not apply to a school administrator, teacher, or employee who possesses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm for legitimate school purposes during the course of employment, a student who uses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm under the direction of a school administrator, teacher, or employee, or any other person who with the express prior approval of a school administrator possesses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm for a legitimate purpose, including the use of the object in a ceremonial activity, a play, reenactment, or other dramatic presentation, or a ROTC activity or another similar use of the object. (c) Whoever violates division (a) of this section is guilty of illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone is a misdemeanor of the first degree. (d) As used in this section: (1) "Object that is indistinguishable from a firearm" means an object made, constructed, or altered so that, to a reasonable person without specialized training in firearms, the object appears to be a firearm. (2) "School safety zone" consists of a school, school building, school premises, school activity, and school bus. (3) "School", "school building", and "school premises" have the same meaning as in RC 2925.01. (4) "School activity" means any activity held under the auspices of a board of education of a city, local, exempted village, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district; a governing authority of a community school established under RC Chapter 3314; a governing board of an educational service center, or the governing body of a school for which the state board of education prescribed minimum standards under RC 3301.07. (5) "School bus" has the same meaning as in RC 4511.01. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15) Statutory reference: Similar state law, see RC 2923.122

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.21 Sale of Long-Bladed Pocket Knives

§ 627.21 Sale of Long-Bladed Pocket Knives (a) No person shall give or sell a pocket knife having a blade of two and one-half (2-1/2) inches in length or longer, without first requiring a purchaser to properly identify himself or herself and register in a book kept for such purpose giving his or her name, address and age. The register shall be subject to inspection by any officer of the law upon demand. (b) No person shall give, sell or exhibit for sale to a minor a knife having a blade two and one-half (2-1/2) inches in length or longer. (c) Every person, firm or corporation dealing in the sale of knives shall post a copy of this section in a conspicuous place in such place of business. (d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful pocket knife sale, a misdemeanor of the third degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.22 Sale or Possession of Sling Shots and Pea Shooters

§ 627.22 Sale or Possession of Sling Shots and Pea Shooters (a) No person shall carry on or about his or her person, sell or exhibit for sale a sling shot, commonly consisting of a forked stick with an elastic band attached, or a piece of elastic such as rubber, with a bag attached for shooting of projectiles. (b) No person shall carry on or about his or her person, sell or exhibit for sale a pea shooter, commonly consisting of a hollow cylindrical object made of one (1) or more materials through which an object may be propelled by blowing air through the same. (c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful sale or possession of sling shots or pea shooters, a minor misdemeanor. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.23 Unlawful Display of Weapons

§ 627.23 Unlawful Display of Weapons (a) No person, firm or corporation shall exhibit for sale in showcases or show windows any daggers, stilettoes, brass or iron knuckles and billies, or display any signs, posters, cartoons or display cards, suggesting the sale of such weapons. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful display of weapons, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.24 Possession or Use of Stench Bombs

§ 627.24 Possession or Use of Stench Bombs (a) No person shall possess or use a tear gas device, stink bomb, smoke generator or other device releasing a substance which is harmful or offensive to persons exposed or which tends to cause public alarm. This section does not apply to law enforcement agents in the discharge of official duty. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful possession or use of stench bombs, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.25 Tear Gas Guns

§ 627.25 Tear Gas Guns (a) No person not being a law enforcement officer acting in the line of duty or a person engaged in repelling robbers, thieves, murderers or other law violators in the defense and protection of his or her home or place of business, shall aim and discharge at any person a weapon or device of any kind which impels by compressed air, spring release or other means a projectile containing any liquid or gas which is dangerous to the safety or health of such person, or which otherwise discharges any such liquid or gas upon the person of another. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful tear gas gun use, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.26 Containers of Combustibles

§ 627.26 Containers of Combustibles (a) No person shall make, use, have on or about his or her person or under his or her control any device or container, having a combustible material or substance which can be used as a means of igniting such device or container attached thereto as a fuse and containing therein any flammable or combustible material or substance, which device or container can be used as a firebomb by igniting the fuse or igniting the fuse and breaking the device or container by dropping, tossing or throwing such device or container against or upon an object. However, this section does not apply to any person using, making or having such device or container in his or her possession or under his or her control in the course of a legitimate business, employment or occupation. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful manufacture, possession or use of combustible container, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 627.27 Jump Traps

§ 627.27 Jump Traps (a) No person shall use or permit the use within the City of any steel jump animal trap or similar device with spring activated jaws of the types commonly used for the trapping of fur bearing animals, which is capable of inflicting cruelty upon dogs or cats or which constitutes a hazard to small children. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of unlawful jump trap use, a misdemeanor of the third degree. (Ord. No. 931-14. Passed 4-20-15, eff. 4-21-15)

Source: City of Cleveland, Ohio, Codified Ordinances and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-41564Fetched: 11/1/2026