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Moscow council approves one-location exception to city code to allow indoor airsoft at 105 Louder Avenue
Summary
On Nov. 3, 2025 the Moscow City Council approved, 4-2, a staff-drafted resolution granting a site-specific exception to Moscow City Code to permit an indoor airsoft facility at 105 Louder Avenue. Councilors discussed zoning, proximity to a local alternative high school and the codehistory; the permit remains subject to revocation by the council.
The Moscow City Council voted 4-2 on Nov. 3 to approve a resolution granting a one-location exception to Moscow City Code section 10-3-3 so an indoor airsoft facility may operate at 105 Louder Avenue.
City staff told the council the code section dates to an 1888 ordinance that prohibited discharge of fireworks or firearms within town limits and was broadened by a 1984 amendment to include "handguns, rifles, pellet guns, air rifles, b b guns, slingshots, flippers, bows and arrows, and other projectiles." Bill Beltknap, who presented the item, said the council has authority under section 10-3-4 to grant site-specific exceptions with written permits and conditions.
Beltknap said the proposed facility would be located in a commercial building in the Motor Business zoning district and that staff concluded the proposed indoor use "does not appear to present any threat to the public that I think that section of code was intended to address." He explained the citypermit would be tied to the fixed location and could be revoked by council action.
Councilors asked about ownership changes, code amendment options and proximity to nearby uses. One councilor noted the site is "right across the street from the current location of the alternative high school" and another cited the Moscow Police Department's proximity as a factor that reduced their concern. Council discussion repeatedly emphasized the item would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and not create a citywide exemption for similar businesses unless the council amended the code.
Councilor Julia moved approval; a second was received. Roll call produced four affirmative votes and two negative votes (final tally 4-2). The mayor declared the resolution approved.
The approved resolution is a fixed-location exception; staff told the council a change in ownership would likely not require a new exception so long as the use and operations remain substantially the same, but moving the use to another address would require new council action. The resolution and permit remain subject to conditions and revocation by the council.
