Planning commission recommends approval of security training facility with sound‑abatement conditions

The Far West Planning Commission voted to recommend city council approval of a conditional‑use permit for Priority Protection Group (PPG), a security‑training academy proposed for 1166 N. 2000 West in the Far West Business Park, contingent on interior sound abatement and restrictions on exterior operations.

Gordon Brennan, founder and owner of Priority Protection Group, told the commission the academy will offer training for private security, law enforcement and military personnel and will include simulator training using "simmunition" rounds. Brennan said the company selected the location in part because the site sits near a freeway and is commercially noisy, and he pledged to install interior sound‑dampening measures.

A commissioner asked whether airsoft or simmunition rounds would sound like gunfire outside. Brennan replied that simmunition "do not make very much noise" compared with a firearm and that the company plans to install sound‑dampening; he said any exterior staging would be limited and focused on vehicle staging or similar low‑noise activities.

Residents raised concerns about night‑time noise and post‑training gatherings. One resident said she had concerns about noise traveling at night if officers linger outside after training. The commission responded that sound abatement and limits on outdoor training would be included as conditions. Casey Bowen, the applicant’s commercial real‑estate agent, said the business would be subject to annual business‑license review and that strong public complaint could trigger city action.

Motion to recommend approval was made by Greg Baptist and seconded by Lou; the commission voted in favor and asked staff to forward the recommendation and the proposed conditions to the city council for its next meeting.