East Penn Township has lifted a near half-century old ordinance that deals with firearm regulations.

On a 4-0 vote, the township's board of supervisors on Monday agreed to adopt ordinance 2015-02 repealing ordinance 8 regarding air rifles, air pistols and miscellaneous firearms.That decision stems largely from a new Pennsylvania law that went into effect at the start of the year which essentially makes it easier for gun owners to challenge municipal firearm ordinances in court.Last month, township solicitor Jim Nanovic said the township's ordinance in place since 1966 makes it unlawful for any person under 16 to use air pistols, air rifles, BB guns, a slingshot, rifle, firearm or similar device within the township.Nanovic said the exception is if a person is between 12 to 16 years old, they can use those devices if accompanied by an adult.Within a week after the state law took effect, more than 20 municipalities across Pennsylvania had already repealed or drastically changed local firearm ordinances.Gun owners no longer have to prove they have been harmed by the local measure to successfully challenge it.Troxell permitsAlso on Monday, supervisors discussed the status of permits concerning property owned by resident Clair Troxell.It was stated that zoning approval has been received, while a Uniform Construction Code permit has been approved, pending review after the receipt of signed and sealed engineer plans.Nanovic asked the board whether it wanted to take Troxell back to court."He's well beyond the deadline; we all know that," Nanovic said. "I'm not sure how else you get his attention."