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Commission permits after‑hours law‑enforcement training at Glendon Rod & Gun Club with notification and 9 p.m. firing limit
Summary
Clay County approved an amendment to the Glendon Rod & Gun Club's conditional use permit to allow after‑hours shooting for official law‑enforcement training provided residents within a half‑mile receive at least 24‑hour advance email notice; the permit includes a condition prohibiting live firing after 9:00 p.m.
The Clay County Planning Commission amended the Glendon Rod & Gun Club’s conditional use permit to allow after‑hours shooting only when conducted by local law‑enforcement agencies for official, department‑sanctioned training—and only with advance notification to nearby residents and restrictions on late‑night shooting.
Staff explained the site is an existing shooting range granted a conditional use permit in 2004 and that the amendment purpose is to allow limited after‑hours law‑enforcement training that supports emergency preparedness. The proposed change requires subscription‑based email notification at least 24 hours before an event for residents within a half‑mile, and the club agreed to create and maintain that notification list. The county also received a letter of support from Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting.
Tom Bergland, speaking for the club, said after‑hours use would be restricted to official agency events; his group has also developed an email notification system and mailed signup letters to property owners within one mile. Several nearby residents spoke at the hearing, asking for clearer limits on frequency, better notification and a time cap; one resident suggested an annual review if events became excessive.
Sheriff Mark Empting told commissioners the events are infrequent and typically short, and that law‑enforcement agencies use the facility for required low‑light and cold‑weather qualifications. He and the commission agreed that firing should not extend past 9:00 p.m.; the board added that as a condition. Commissioners also retained existing range safety and construction standards (NRA specifications) and other prior conditions.
The amendment was approved with nine conditions including: compliance with NRA range specifications, a half‑mile subscription list with no less than 24‑hour notice before after‑hours events, and a requirement that no live firing occur after 9:00 p.m. The commission left frequency of use open but emphasized neighbors may return to the commission if events become disruptive.
