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Residents say shooting activity from nearby parcel is disrupting Perry neighborhoods; county jurisdiction cited
Summary
Multiple Perry residents told the city council that recurring target shooting from a parcel bordering city limits — which they say includes advertised paid range use and large-caliber rifles — is causing noise, safety fears and disruption to nearby trails and homes. City staff said the parcel sits in unincorporated Dallas County and referred the matter to county planning and the sheriff.
Several Perry residents urged the City Council to act after weeks of recurring shooting and target practice they say originates on a parcel just outside the city boundary and sends projectiles toward city property and a popular bike trail.
"I went down there and I can guarantee it because you can walk out there and see him," said David Krooks, who identified himself as a Park Street resident, describing loud late-night shots that have frightened neighbors and their pets. Krooks told the council he has photographed targets and flyers advertising that people may pay to use the range and rent firearms, including "two .50-caliber rifles." He said the sound sometimes rattles windows and that the noise and apparent commercial activity have left area parents reluctant to let children play near the creek-side trail.
Other neighbors echoed Krooks. "It's scary," said Lisa Simmons, who said her windows rattle when the guns are fired. Allison Canaly asked why she and other neighbors had not been notified and whether the owner holds any licenses or insurance for a retail or commercial shooting operation.
Speakers cited legal restrictions. Krooks referenced sections of Iowa law and local ordinances stated in the transcript (including an oral citation to Code of Iowa section 718.4108 and a target-shooting hour provision read as "57151.3" in the record) and argued the activity creates disorderly noise near residences.
City Administrator Sven told the council he reviewed the matter with the mayor and several council members and forwarded the city's information to Dallas County planning and the sheriff because the shooting, as reported, is occurring on unincorporated Dallas County land. "That parcel that shooting is taking place on is in unincorporated Dallas County, not within city limits," Sven said, and staff said further review by county planning and law-enforcement officials is expected.
Council members and staff repeatedly positioned the issue as a county jurisdiction when the discharge occurs outside the city, but they also acknowledged the public-safety concern for city residents if projectiles are reaching city property. One councilmember asked legal counsel to weigh in on whether the city has any enforcement authority when bullets land inside city limits but originate from outside the corporate boundary.
What happens next: Sven said he had provided Dallas County with the information collected to date and would keep council updated as county staff and the sheriff's office respond. Several residents asked the council to press for confirmation of whether the property owner is operating commercially and whether the county will require safety measures, permits, or other restrictions.
Note on sources: Quotes and claims above are taken from resident comments recorded during Perry City Council's public comment period.
