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Commissioners advance ordinance regulating explosive targets and expand firearm safe-distance rule; second reading to follow
Summary
The board voted to adopt a resolution initiating an ordinance to regulate use of mixed/binary explosive targets and to increase the safe-distance trigger in the county firearms ordinance from 200 to 225 yards; the measure will return for a later meeting for final adoption.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on May 19 voted to move forward with a resolution that adopts a new ordinance regulating the use of certain explosive targets at firing ranges and to amend the county’s firearms regulation to increase the minimum distance that prohibits discharge near dwellings from 200 to 225 yards.
County Attorney Rick Morfield said the proposed new ordinance targets devices commonly known as mixed or binary explosive targets (two‑component kits that become explosive when combined) and other explosive devices not otherwise regulated under federal law. The county’s policy committee and the sheriff’s office reviewed earlier drafts; staff incorporated sheriff’s suggestions and clarifying exemptions requested by a commissioner.
Morfield told the board the measure would be added to Chapter 9.5 of the county code and that adoption requires a second reading at a future meeting. The board voted to adopt the resolution directing staff to bring the ordinance back for the second reading and formal adoption within the time required by county rules.
Why it matters: the ordinance aims to address the growing local use of component-target explosives that produce loud detonations and could pose safety or nuisance concerns. The expanded firearm-distance language (225 yards) increases the minimum safe separation for discharges near dwellings, a change the sheriff and commissioners requested during prior committee review.
What’s next: staff will publish any required notices and return the ordinance for a second reading and formal adoption at a subsequent board meeting within the statutory timeline.
