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County approves River Ridge Gun Club permit changes, including limited night training for law enforcement
Summary
Nicollet County approved a conditional use permit modification for River Ridge Gun Club to increase special events, extend hours and allow a change in firearm caliber; a condition requires periodic septic performance reports and that nighttime low‑light training be limited to Minnesota law enforcement with neighbor notification.
The Nicollet County Board unanimously approved Nov. 26 a modification to the River Ridge Gun Club’s conditional use permit that adjusts special‑event allowances, operating hours and permitted firearm calibers and adds public‑health and notification conditions.
Planning staff presented the request (PLN 24‑19) for parcels off 5147th Lane in Cortland Township. Major conditions include an operating septic permit and a requirement that, following special events, a licensed septic contractor submit system‑performance data to the county sanitarian every four months and after special events to monitor potential septic impacts given increased utilization.
The modification would not raise the facility’s maximum capacity but would broaden the number and timing of special events, and it includes a change allowing larger calibers. Staff said neighborhood complaints have decreased compared with earlier proposals; the county reported no recent official complaints and indicated the sheriff had not objected to the caliber change. The board also approved a condition permitting nighttime low‑light training for Minnesota law enforcement only; the applicant must notify neighboring property owners before any such sessions.
Commissioners raised questions about signage along Highway 14, unusual special‑event thresholds (how events are classified if attendance falls between specified ranges), and narrow township road access to the facility. Planning staff said the township was notified and had no concerns about traffic; commissioners suggested the applicant coordinate further with township officials on access or dust‑control as needed.
The board approved findings of fact and the conditional use permit modification and adopted the motion without recorded opposition.
Next steps: County staff will finalize the conditional use permit documentation and monitor compliance with the septic and notification conditions.
