CENTRAL - Residents in Central will soon have a few new guidelines to follow after the city council voted Tuesday to adopt East Baton Rouge Parish criminal law ordinances. 

Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran said most things will not change because many ordinances are already enforced through state law, but there will be noticeable updates to rules on firearms and fireworks.

Corcoran said that it will be unlawful to shoot or discharge a weapon inside city limits, unless at a gun range. The ordinance stipulates that it will be unlawful to shoot pistols or rifles within a half-mile of a street, road or house. It includes that shooting airsoft guns and BB guns within 500 feet of any street, road or house will be illegal. Firearms will also be prohibited in BREC parks.

The chief said that while the city council voted to adopt the parish's ordinance to make it illegal to pop fireworks without a permit, there was pushback during Tuesday's meeting and the specific rule could be clarified or changed.

Some spitting on sidewalks or in public buildings will be prohibited, and smoking on public transportation or in city-parish buildings will not be allowed, says Corcoran.

Corcoran added that the changes will not take effect until the update runs in The Advocate, and residents should expect enforcement of the new ordinances to be rolled out over time, not overnight.