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Manvel commission approves police shooting-range SUP with three conditions
Summary
The commission recommended approval to city council of a specific-use permit for a 0.18-acre outdoor shooting range for the Manvel Police Department for training, subject to three staff conditions covering berm maintenance, secure equipment storage and firing direction away from Ozell Road; the vote was unanimous.
The Manvel Planning, Development and Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 voted 6–0 to forward a recommendation to city council approving a specific-use permit (SUP) for an outdoor shooting range to be used primarily for training by the Manvel Police Department, with three staff-recommended conditions.
Staff described the site as approximately 0.18 acres within a larger tract owned by Houston Pipeline Company, located behind the city’s public works facility. Staff said the nearest residence on the opposite side of Ozell Road is roughly 540 feet from the proposed range and that the site includes an existing concrete slab. The proposal calls for a berm approximately 21 feet tall and 42 feet wide to assist with sound attenuation and existing vegetation to provide additional screening.
The staff report noted the applicant intends to operate “in line with the National Rifle Association’s recommendations and standard protocols” and provided measured sound readings taken at the location (staff said on-site readings were high inside the range but at nearby property lines were within city noise limits). Staff recommended approval with three conditions: maintain the proposed berm at all times during operation; store range equipment and accessories in a secure building or in an enclosed container not visible from the right of way; and direct shooting away from Ozell Road toward the vacant area.
Commissioners asked whether the range would be open to the public (staff said it is primarily for police training but could be used for occasional public firearm-safety classes or by other law-enforcement agencies), what calibers would be used (staff listed common police calibers including 5.56, 9mm and noted the largest rifle round for occasional SWAT/sniper use could be .308; staff also said the berm is designed to contain substantially larger calibers), and whether the berm would be fenced (staff said a 21-foot berm would surround the site with one 10-foot opening and that fencing would be used at the opening). One staff member reported sound readings at the site perimeter were “under” city limits.
A motion to approve the SUP with the three staff conditions passed unanimously, 6–0. The conditions were recorded in the staff report and will be appended to the SUP recommendation forwarded to city council.
