{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/15.2-916.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/15.2-916.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/15.2-916.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/15.2-916.html"}],"law_id":349372,"edition_id":2,"section_id":349372,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-916","catch_line":"Prohibiting shooting of compound bows, slingbows, arrowguns, crossbows, longbows, and recurve bows","history":"1995, c. 284, \u00a7 15.1-518.2; 1997, c. 587; 2017, c. 530; 2018, cc. 557, 558.","full_text":"Any locality may prohibit the shooting of an arrow from a bow or arrowgun in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. For the purposes of this section, “bow” includes all compound bows, crossbows, slingbows, longbows, and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of 10 pounds or more. The term “bow” does not include bows that have a peak draw weight of less than 10 pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term “arrow” means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1302057,"text":"Any locality may prohibit the shooting of an arrow from a bow or arrowgun in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. For the purposes of this section, “bow” includes all compound bows, crossbows, slingbows, longbows, and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of 10 pounds or more. The term “bow” does not include bows that have a peak draw weight of less than 10 pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term “arrow” means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":50051,"edition_id":2,"name":"Public Health and Safety; Nuisances","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":50050,"metadata":{"child_laws":49,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:20:59","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:25","permalink":{"id":1383361,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50051,"identifier":"1","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":50050,"edition_id":2,"name":"General Powers of Local Governments","identifier":"9","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":49834,"metadata":{"child_laws":137,"child_structures":6},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:20:59","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:25","permalink":{"id":1383359,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":50050,"identifier":"9","token":"15.2\/II\/9","url":"\/15.2\/II\/9\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49834,"edition_id":2,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":2,"parent_id":49831,"metadata":{"child_laws":1081,"child_structures":112},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:16:24","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:25","permalink":{"id":1379371,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49834,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49831,"edition_id":2,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":46,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":2297,"child_structures":225},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:16:22","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:29:22","permalink":{"id":1378281,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49831,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":349342,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-900","catch_line":"Abatement or removal of nuisances by localities; recovery of costs","url":"\/15.2-900\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-900","metadata":false},{"id":349344,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-901","catch_line":"Locality may provide for removal or disposal of trash and clutter, cutting of grass, weeds, and running bamboo; penalty in certain counties; penalty","url":"\/15.2-901\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901","metadata":false},{"id":349343,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-901.1","catch_line":"Locality may provide for control of running bamboo; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-901.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-901.1","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":349345,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-902","catch_line":"Authority of locality to control certain noxious weeds","url":"\/15.2-902\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-902","metadata":false},{"id":349346,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-903","catch_line":"Ordinances taxing and regulating \"automobile graveyards,\" \"junkyards,\" and certain vacant and abandoned property","url":"\/15.2-903\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-903","metadata":false},{"id":349347,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-904","catch_line":"Authority to restrict keeping of inoperable motor vehicles, etc., on residential or commercial property; removal of such vehicles; penalty","url":"\/15.2-904\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-904","metadata":false},{"id":349348,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-905","catch_line":"Authority to restrict keeping of inoperable motor vehicles, etc., on residential or commercial property; removal of such vehicles","url":"\/15.2-905\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-905","metadata":false},{"id":349350,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-906","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures","url":"\/15.2-906\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906","metadata":false},{"id":349349,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-906.1","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/15.2-906.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-906.1","metadata":false},{"id":349353,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-907","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring illegal drug use or other criminal activity","url":"\/15.2-907\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907","metadata":false},{"id":349351,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-907.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings that are declared to be derelict; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-907.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907.1","metadata":false},{"id":349352,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-907.2","catch_line":"Authority of locality or land bank entity to be appointed to act as a receiver to repair derelict and blighted buildings in certain limited circumstances","url":"\/15.2-907.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-907.2","metadata":false},{"id":349355,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-908","catch_line":"Authority of localities to remove or repair the defacement of buildings, walls, fences and other structures","url":"\/15.2-908\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-908","metadata":false},{"id":349354,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-908.1","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of buildings and other structures harboring a bawdy place","url":"\/15.2-908.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-908.1","metadata":false},{"id":349356,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-909","catch_line":"Authority to require removal, repair, etc., of wharves, piers, pilings, bulkheads, vessels or abandoned, obstructing or hazardous property","url":"\/15.2-909\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-909","metadata":false},{"id":349357,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-910","catch_line":"Ordinance certifying boiler and pressure vessel operators; 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applicability to authorities and local governmental agencies","url":"\/15.2-915\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915","metadata":{"court_decisions":{"0":{"name":"South v. Commonwealth","case_number":"2209041","citation":"623 S.E.2d 419","date":"2005-12-20","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/1063333\/south-v-commonwealth\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. *250KELSEY, Judge. .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"COA<\/abbr>"},"1":{"name":"Fitzgerald v. Fairfax County School Board","case_number":"Civil Action 1:07cv1117","citation":"556 F. Supp. 2d 543","date":"2008-05-23","url":"https:\/\/www.courtlistener.com\/opinion\/2390122\/fitzgerald-v-fairfax-county-school-board\/","abstract":" .\u202f.\u202f. (2008) .\u202f.\u202f. ","court_html":"District Court, E.D. Virginia"}}}},{"id":349366,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-915.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.1","metadata":false},{"id":349367,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.2","catch_line":"Regulation of transportation of a loaded rifle or shotgun","url":"\/15.2-915.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.2","metadata":false},{"id":349368,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.3","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-915.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.3","metadata":false},{"id":349369,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.4","catch_line":"Counties, cities and towns authorized to regulate use of pneumatic guns","url":"\/15.2-915.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.4","metadata":false},{"id":349370,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.5","catch_line":"Disposition of firearms acquired by localities","url":"\/15.2-915.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.5","metadata":false},{"id":349372,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-916","catch_line":"Prohibiting shooting of compound bows, slingbows, arrowguns, crossbows, longbows, and recurve bows","url":"\/15.2-916\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-916","metadata":false},{"id":349373,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-917","catch_line":"Applicability of local noise ordinances to certain sport shooting ranges","url":"\/15.2-917\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-917","metadata":false},{"id":349374,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-918","catch_line":"Locality may prohibit or regulate use of air cannons","url":"\/15.2-918\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-918","metadata":false},{"id":349375,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-919","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-919\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-919","metadata":false},{"id":349376,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-920","catch_line":"Regulation of outdoor lighting near certain facilities","url":"\/15.2-920\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-920","metadata":false},{"id":349377,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-921","catch_line":"Ordinances requiring fencing of swimming pools","url":"\/15.2-921\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-921","metadata":false},{"id":349380,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-922","catch_line":"Smoke alarms in certain buildings","url":"\/15.2-922\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922","metadata":false},{"id":349378,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-922.1","catch_line":"Regulating or prohibiting the making of fires","url":"\/15.2-922.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922.1","metadata":false},{"id":349379,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-922.2","catch_line":"Special fee for emergency services in certain counties","url":"\/15.2-922.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-922.2","metadata":false},{"id":349381,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-923","catch_line":"Local water-saving ordinances","url":"\/15.2-923\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-923","metadata":false},{"id":349383,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-924","catch_line":"Water supply emergency ordinances","url":"\/15.2-924\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-924","metadata":false},{"id":349382,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-924.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/15.2-924.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-924.1","metadata":false},{"id":349385,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-925","catch_line":"Regulation, etc., of assemblies or movement of persons or vehicles under certain circumstances; curfew; penalty","url":"\/15.2-925\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-925","metadata":false},{"id":349384,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-925.1","catch_line":"Local notifications","url":"\/15.2-925.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-925.1","metadata":false},{"id":349390,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926","catch_line":"Prohibiting loitering; frequenting amusements and curfew for minors; penalty","url":"\/15.2-926\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926","metadata":false},{"id":349386,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926.1","catch_line":"Bounties for coyotes","url":"\/15.2-926.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.1","metadata":false},{"id":349387,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926.2","catch_line":"Adoption of ordinances prohibiting obscenity","url":"\/15.2-926.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.2","metadata":false},{"id":349388,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926.3","catch_line":"Local regulation of certain aircraft","url":"\/15.2-926.3\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.3","metadata":false},{"id":349389,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-926.4","catch_line":"Regulation of smoking in outdoor amphitheater or concert venue; civil penalty","url":"\/15.2-926.4\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-926.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":349370,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-915.5","catch_line":"Disposition of firearms acquired by localities","url":"\/15.2-915.5\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-915.5","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":349373,"structure_id":50051,"section_number":"15.2-917","catch_line":"Applicability of local noise ordinances to certain sport shooting ranges","url":"\/15.2-917\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-917","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-916\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1995. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 284<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 530<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 557<\/a> and 558<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1383483,"object_type":"law","relational_id":349372,"identifier":"15.2-916","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-916","url":"\/15.2-916\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-916\/","token":"15.2\/II\/9\/1\/15.2-916","dublin_core":{"Title":"Prohibiting shooting of compound bows, slingbows, arrowguns, crossbows, longbows, and recurve bows","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-916","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Any locality<\/span> may prohibit the shooting of an arrow from a bow or arrowgun in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. For the purposes of this section, “bow” includes all compound bows, crossbows, slingbows, longbows, and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of 10 pounds or more. The term “bow” does not include bows that have a peak draw weight of less than 10 pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term “arrow” means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPROHIBITING SHOOTING OF COMPOUND BOWS, SLINGBOWS, ARROWGUNS, CROSSBOWS,\nLONGBOWS, AND RECURVE BOWS (\u00a7 15.2-916)\n\nAny locality may prohibit the shooting of an arrow from a bow or arrowgun in a\nmanner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon\nthe property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such\nproperty. For the purposes of this section, “bow” includes all\ncompound bows, crossbows, slingbows, longbows, and recurve bows having a peak\ndraw weight of 10 pounds or more. The term “bow” does not include\nbows that have a peak draw weight of less than 10 pounds or that are designed or\nintended to be used principally as toys. The term “arrow” means a\nshaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.\n\nHISTORY: 1995, c. 284, \u00a7 15.1-518.2; 1997, c. 587; 2017, c. 530; 2018, cc. 557,\n558.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}