Commissioners approve Cody Shooting Complex amendment adding sporting-clays course and archery range

Park County commissioners approved an amendment to the Cody Shooting Complex special use permit that adds an approximately 11‑acre sporting‑clays course and a 3‑acre archery range to the existing facility.

Planning staff told the board the site has operated since 1996 and previously received an SUP; the county owns the property and the new amenities are within a General Rural (GR) zoning district where major recreation facilities are allowed by SUP. Staff reviewed agency responses and reported that Park County Fire District 2 raised no objections, the Park County Weed & Pest office said a long‑term weed plan was not required, and Game and Fish had no terrestrial wildlife comments.

Staff noted the applicant provided NRA standard shot‑fallout information recommending a 300‑yard buffer for shot sizes under 7½, and the applicant clarified the site plan distances meet the required buffer where measured to the fence line rather than to the property line. Commissioners asked staff and the applicant to verify that trails and public recreation corridors are outside the approved fallout zone. The planning director recommended striking an earlier draft condition because Weed & Pest waived the long‑term weed plan requirement.

The board approved the SUP amendment with conditions requiring compliance with county noise, lighting and nuisance regulations and with the conditions of the original SUP, a one‑year implementation expiration (with one possible extension), and compliance with Park County development standards.

Wes Hanson, president of the Cody Shooting Complex, told commissioners the range follows industry safety standards and that the clubhouse posts rules about permitted shot sizes. Commissioners closed the public hearing before voting; no public speakers opposed the amendment during the hearing.