Board approves special-use permit for outdoor shooting range with law-enforcement limit

Following a reconvened planning commission recommendation, the Smyth County Board on Jan. 8 approved a special-use permit for an outdoor shooting range on the county landfill/transfer-station property along Highway 1072.

The planning commission recommended the permit with the condition that the facility be used only by county law enforcement and that any other entities seeking to use the facility must receive prior approval from the county administrator. Board members discussed clarifying the permit language to state that the facility is to be used by county law enforcement unless otherwise approved by the county administrator; members emphasized that the intent was to allow sheriff-sponsored training sessions but to require administrative review for outside entities or private groups.

Board members noted potential future uses such as concealed-carry training and discussed fee or payment mechanisms if non‑county entities were to use the facility. The motion to approve the special-use permit with the discussed condition carried on a voice vote.

The board’s approval implements the planning commission’s recommendation and directs the county administrator to review requests from outside entities before granting permission for use of the facility.