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Planning commission recommends law-enforcement-only shooting range on county transfer-station property
Summary
The commission voted 7–0 to recommend a special-use permit for an outdoor shooting range on landfill property at the Smyth County transfer station, conditioned on use by county law enforcement only and prior county-administrator approval for outside users; staff presented an informal sound test and the sheriff said the range would improve training safety.
On December 11, 2025, the Smyth County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors held a joint hearing on a county-initiated special-use permit to develop an outdoor shooting range on former landfill property at the transfer station on Highway 107 in Chilhowie.
Zoning Administrator Becca Creasy summarized that required notices were published and that staff conducted an informal sound demonstration with adjacent landowners and public-safety staff. Sheriff Chip Shuler told the hearing the county needs a dedicated training facility to meet modern qualification and tactical training demands and described the proposed site as among the safest county-owned options.
Sgt. Gale Greer, a firearms trainer with the sheriff’s office, and Sgt. Neal Brooks described the site’s natural bowl topography that reduces noise impacts and compared it favorably to the Marion range, which is closer to residences and a walking trail. Sgt. Brooks said the new site would be about 400 yards from the nearest residence and could support expanded training, including sniper training, with appropriate safety measures. Sgt. Greer added that tear-gas use would be limited, would occur only on certain training days, and that signage would warn neighbors when such exercises take place.
Commissioners asked about liability, fencing, structures and notification for larger training events. Staff and the sheriff’s office acknowledged that liability would likely rest with the County and Sheriff's Office for any accident, and that prior notification to neighboring landowners for larger training sessions was recommended. Commissioner Graham Davidson Jr. moved to recommend approval with the condition that use be limited to County law enforcement unless prior approval is granted by County Administration. Tony Dean seconded the motion; the commission voted 7–0 in favor.
The recommendation moves the SUP to the Board of Supervisors for final action and directs staff to work with the Sheriff's Office on operational safeguards, neighbor notification procedures, and any necessary site improvements and liability coverage.
