GREENLEAF -- While many communities are disarming residents, if a proposed ordinance passes in Greenleaf that would be a violation of city code.

The rural Canyon County town of Greenleaf is considering an ordinance that would recommend every head of household own a gun and ammunition and be trained to use them.

Supporters point to similar ordinances in other towns as proof widespread gun ownership cuts down on crime.

The proposed city ordinance would recommend, but not require, every homeowner in Greenleaf own a gun and ammunition, a variation of ordinances already on the books in a few towns across the country.

“In other cities that have passed similar legislation, their crime has plummeted because they are known that they are a community that is interested in maintaining their way of life,” said Brad Holton, Greenleaf Mayor.

It was 1982 when the historic town of Kennesaw, Georgia became the first to require every head of household have a gun and bullets.  The population in Kennesaw has increased 200 percent since then, but crime has dropped 400 percent.

"It gives property owners a sense of respect for what we own and hopefully it gives other people for what people own as well," said a Kennesaw resident.

The city of Kennesaw doesn't enforce the gun owning law. It doesn't have to.   Burglars stay away assuming instant justice is behind every door.

“Typically on the city limits, there's a warning sign that a majority of the households have and maintain firearms and know how to use them," said Holton.

Holton isn't sure you'll ever see warning signs in his town.

"I don't want it to be a call to a conflict,” said Holton.

He says nearly every person in Greenleaf already owns a gun, so this is just a way to organize those people and give them training to protect themselves.

"We aren't doing anything that people aren't already doing. We’re just providing training and a tool to use them as a resource," said Holton.

A spokesperson for the National Rifle Association calls the Greenleaf proposal encouraging. 

“This is about giving law-abiding people the option and the freedom to defend themselves," said NRA spokesperson Ashley Varner.

Greenleaf's four city council members will decide whether or not to adopt the ordinance in November.