Planning Commission recommends approval for Ammo AZ indoor shooting range with acoustics, FFL and air-filtration conditions

The Glendale Planning Commission on March 27 voted to approve a conditional use permit allowing an indoor shooting range to occupy about 9,000 square feet of an existing retail suite at a shopping center near 50th Avenue and Bell Road.

Planning staff described CUP24-11 as a request to add an indoor range to an existing firearms retailer that currently occupies roughly 27,000 square feet in the Desert Lehi Shopping Center; the applicant proposes 22 shooting lanes with hours of operation proposed as 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Staff reported the applicant met public-notice requirements and said 56 public comments were received during outreach: 47 comment cards from an in-person meeting (all in support) and nine emails (a mix of support, opposition and inquiries). Staff recommended approval with three stipulations: development in substantial conformance with the site plan and narrative dated Feb. 20, 2025; an active Federal Firearms License (FFL) as required by ATF; and acoustical treatment to attenuate sound.

Applicant Virat “Murphy” (presenting as the owner/operator) and technical presenter Jay Reese of Rushing Ranges described designs and engineering approaches for ballistic protection, sound attenuation and ventilation. Reese explained the range’s HVAC and filtration design includes a high fresh-air ratio and multi-stage filtration (MERV 8, MERV 15 bag filter and HEPA) to remove particulate and fumes; he said properly engineered systems can make exhaust air cleaner than the intake and that typical exterior noise could be comparable to traffic levels once the facility’s sound attenuation and ventilation equipment are installed. The applicant described equipment engineered to handle heavy calibers in structure and said standard operating procedures would limit extreme calibers.

Multiple speakers spoke in support from the community and law-enforcement/training circles, including firearms instructors and local small-business representatives who cited training, firearm-safety education and convenience benefits. In response to commissioner questions, the applicant said the range would be acoustically treated, employ cartridge containment and filtration systems, and limit extremely large calibers in practice.

Commissioner Crow moved to approve CUP24-11 subject to the staff conditions; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with all commissioners voting aye. The planning staff advised the commission that action on CUP24-11 is final unless a written appeal is filed within 15 days.