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Planning commission recommends zoning rules for firearm sales and shooting ranges, including buffers from schools and child-care centers
Summary
After a recent siting issue, the commission recommended a zoning-text amendment defining firearm-sales establishments and shooting ranges, adding security-plan review, prohibiting outdoor ranges, and establishing separation buffers (500 ft residential/park, 1,000 ft schools/child-care, 1,500 ft between firearm businesses). Staff presented preliminary maps showing potential parcels largely along 8 Mile and Bridge Street.
The City of Southfield Planning Commission on Oct. 29 recommended that City Council adopt a zoning-text amendment to define and regulate firearm-sales establishments and firearm shooting ranges.
Planning staff said the amendment responds to a recent issue where a proposed firearms retailer would have been located adjacent to a daycare and that the city previously lacked specific zoning definitions for these uses. Key provisions presented include updated definitions (the zoning update references the police ordinance and state definitions for “firearm” and aligns the city’s childcare-center definition with state licensing for children under 13), a prohibition on outdoor shooting ranges within city limits, security-plan requirements reviewed through the special-land-use process (with review by police, fire, building and legal), and separation buffers: 500 feet from residential districts and parks, 1,000 feet from schools and child-care centers, and 1,500 feet from pawn/alternative financial services or other firearm establishments.
Staff presented a preliminary parcel map showing that allowed areas would be primarily in industrial corridors off 8 Mile and portions of Bridge Street. The staff presentation acknowledged existing commercial and internet-based firearm sellers that would become legal nonconforming uses and said the city will work with building and police records to identify legal status. Planning staff recommended the amendment; Commissioner Martin moved and Commissioner Willis seconded a favorable recommendation and the commission approved. Commissioners commended staff for the expedited research and thoroughness.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing. The recommendation advances to City Council for further review, interdepartmental vetting, and any legislative changes.
