County clarifies firearm discharge ordinance language and adopts expanded congested‑area maps

The Board approved two related items updating unlawful discharge of firearms rules and adopting revised congested‑area boundary maps. Staff clarified language between readings — replacing a phrasing that residents read to imply blanket new limits across planning areas with a specification that the board is adopting "area maps" that carry forward existing, meets‑and‑bounds shooting boundaries. Assistant County Manager Dave Solero summarized the maps and the public‑safety rationale, saying the red hashed areas reflect congested boundaries and yellow areas denote restricted buffers from residences.

Vice Chair Garcia emphasized the county's support for recreational shooting while noting the safety motive behind the map cleanup: "Washoe County is supportive of recreational shooting. We see the value. We know the interest. We love the hobby. We just want to do it safely," she said. Staff described two small expansions to address recurring problems: an area south and east of Golden Eagle Regional Park and an area north of Sun Valley toward Hungry Valley, where staff had recorded several fire starts related to shooting activity. The board adopted Ordinance 17‑68 and Resolution R26‑82 unanimously and directed staff to publish clear maps and guidance so the public can understand where discharge is and is not allowed.

What happens next: The county will publish the adopted area maps on the regional mapping system, update public guidance and coordinate outreach to shooting communities and law enforcement about the clarified boundaries.