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Board approves special exception for indoor gun range at 1999 NE 150th Street
Summary
The board voted 5–1 to approve a special exception allowing an indoor gun range and training facility at 1999 Northeast 150th Street, with a condition that minors be accompanied by adults and other conditions required by staff.
The City of North Miami board voted 5–1 to approve a special exception for a proposed indoor gun range and training facility at 1999 Northeast 150th Street.
Staff recommended approval after finding the proposal met the land-development criteria for the M‑1 commercial district, including access, parking and compatibility with surrounding industrial uses. "Staff is recommending approval. They meet all of staff's criteria," Safi, senior planning technician in the Office of Land Use Services, told the board.
Applicant representatives described the business as a training-focused, membership-oriented facility that operates in other cities and offers gun-safety education, law-enforcement training and community programs. "They are more than just a gun range," Michael Pizzi, representing the applicant, said, listing safety training, partnerships with police departments and charitable donations as part of the operation.
One member of the public, Enrique Resio, testified in support, saying, "A knowledgeable user that has a firearm is a safe user," and urging the board to approve the application.
During board questions, members asked about allowed firearms, range length and safety systems. The applicant said the facility would follow state certification for ranges and trainers and described a 25-yard range with an 11-lane, two-bay configuration and a granulated-rubber backstop. The applicant also agreed the facility would enforce strict alcohol rules, including an eight‑hour restriction after drinking.
The board approved the special exception with a new staff condition that anyone under age 18 be accompanied by an adult while on the premises. The roll call recorded five yes votes and one no vote (Board member Barreto). The approval included the condition that the applicant obtain all required permits and comply with applicable state and local regulations.
The facility is sited in an industrial area surrounded by warehouses and light manufacturing; staff said indoor operation and existing buffers make the use compatible with the neighborhood. The applicant said they intend to partner with the North Miami Police Department for training and community outreach once the facility opens.
The board’s action allows the applicant to proceed toward building permits, certificate of use and business tax receipt applications subject to the conditions recorded in the staff report and the additional requirement about minors.
Votes at a glance: SE‑6‑25 — approved 5–1; motion to approve moved by a board member and seconded; condition added requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult.
The facility next must secure building permits and the city certificate of use before opening.
