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Land use committee denies special-exemption zoning for firearms and archery ranges amid neighbor noise concerns
Summary
Berkeley County's land use committee voted to deny an ordinance that would have allowed firearms and archery ranges as a special-exemption use in the Agricultural Flex 1 district; public comment included both calls to preserve a private range and complaints about neighborhood noise.
The Berkeley County Committee on Land Use voted to deny an ordinance that would have added firearms and archery ranges as a special-exemption use in the Agricultural Flex 1 zoning district. The committee's recommendation to deny moved forward at the county meeting and was recorded as carried.
The measure, bill number 24-25-14, prompted public comment from residents on both sides of the issue. Supporters of a private range said they want to keep it operating and highlighted safety training and nonprofit conversion plans. "We'd appreciate y'all's help in helping us to find a way forward with this range," said Dave Clark, a representative speaking in favor of the range. Clark and others said they are working to formalize operations and would pursue nonprofit status.
Neighbors told council that shooting from nearby parcels produces disruptive noise and safety worries. Robert Hayes, president of the Del Webb homeowners association, said residents hear lawful gunfire from surrounding properties and are concerned about the absence of range safety measures such as berms and supervision. Angela Hannah, a nearby resident, described being inside her home when shooting occurred. "I'm literally in my house ... 10:10 o'clock 10:22 in the morning," Hannah said, saying the sustained noise affected her weekend.
Committee chair Philip (Chair, Committee on Land Use) moved to deny the ordinance; the committee voted in favor of denial by voice vote. At the county meeting, members reiterated the committee recommendation and council recorded the denial as carried. Several council members and staff emphasized that zoning decisions require balancing recreational uses, safety infrastructure and neighborhood impacts.
The denial leaves the existing zoning unchanged. Supporters of the private range said they will continue seeking options, including working with zoning staff on potential solutions. Opponents urged the county to enforce setbacks and safety requirements for shooting activities on private parcels; the transcript records requests for clearer enforcement options but no new regulatory action was enacted at the meeting.
