Big Spring Council OKs indoor shooting ranges in central business district

The Big Spring City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the city zoning regulations to allow indoor shooting ranges as a permitted use in the Central Area District, the council said during its April meeting.

The change, which the Planning and Zoning Commission approved unanimously before coming to the council, allows an indoor-only shooting range to operate in downtown if it complies with nuisance, noise and air-filtration requirements. "This is an opportunity from anybody that wants to come forward and give their opinion on allowing indoor gun ranges into the central area districts," Council Member Boles said at the public hearing. He added that the use already appears in the city's code for other districts and this proposal would extend that permitted use to the downtown area.

The item drew public comment in favor. "That building originally was a bowling alley. Correct. Man, I can't think of a better use for that than a shooting range. I like it," resident John Emerson said during the hearing.

Council members asked about operational controls. A council member raised questions about noise reduction and lead-control measures; Boles replied, "They would have to comply with any nuisances, which would be the noise. ... Gun ranges have very strict requirements on air filtration for, like, the lead that you mentioned." The city will enforce nuisance and public-safety standards; officials said the business would also need to obtain any applicable permits and follow state and federal requirements for hazardous-air and lead mitigation.

Council members discussed whether the city would regulate access. Council Member Boles said the city would not regulate whether a range required membership or a license to use it: "A business owner could definitely require a license or require membership to come in, or it could be open to the public. But the city would not regulate who could come and go and utilize the facility." That means operators may impose their own membership or training rules, but the business must meet city nuisance and air-quality standards.

The zoning change was prompted by a proposed indoor range for a downtown building identified in the hearing as the former Poncho's building on Ronald Street, between Third and Fourth streets. Council members and staff noted the change does not create a special-use permit process; the use will be allowed outright in the Central Area District so long as operators meet applicable codes and permit requirements.

The council approved the amendment on first reading and moved it forward; the motion carried unanimously.

The council meeting record shows the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval and that city staff will continue to enforce nuisance, noise and air filtration rules during permitting and inspections.

The ordinance is subject to any required follow-up steps for final adoption under the city's ordinance schedule.