Sheriff seeks approval for controversial shooting range permit

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has submitted a request for a conditional use permit to establish a shooting range on approximately 91 acres of agricultural land located at 16616 Northeast 116th Street. The proposal includes the construction of an indoor shooting range, which will not be open to the public, alongside facilities such as classrooms and multipurpose rooms.

During the government meeting, officials discussed the layout of the proposed structure, which will feature a ten-lane firing range at the northern end, with additional spaces for offices, a kitchen, restrooms, and storage. The site is strategically positioned with access from 116th Street to the south and is situated a quarter mile from 33 Highway to the east.

The area surrounding the proposed site is a mix of agricultural and residential zoning, with the nearest residential subdivision, Holmes Creek Hills, located to the north. The project falls within the urban services tier of the comprehensive plan due to its proximity to city limits, prompting outreach to nearby cities, Kearney and Liberty, for feedback. Liberty provided comments that were addressed, while Kearney did not respond.

The conditional use permit is necessary because the inclusion of a shooting range requires special approval under the land development code, despite safety services being permitted by right in all zoning districts. The meeting included a review of the six criteria that must be met for the approval of the conditional use permit, emphasizing the unique nature of the proposed facility.