Commission approves indoor simunition training facility with limits on sessions and distance from residences

The Board approved a special-use permit for a simunition training facility on a 6.51-acre A1 parcel east of Citra, imposing conditions intended to limit noise and neighborhood impact.

Jared Rivera of Growth Services presented the request (case 251203SU) and said staff and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions, including a limit of two sessions per day, a maximum of 10 people per session, adherence to building-safety standards, indoor-only operations and a minimum 300-foot buffer from any existing residence. Rivera said the use was treated as a shooting range for zoning purposes, which is an allowable special use in A1 zones.

Applicant Scott Adams told the Board the facility will host scenario-based, low-impact training using simunition conversions and that instructors would be experienced (ex-military or former law enforcement). Adams said sessions would typically involve four to five trainees and often run about four hours; he emphasized that live ammunition would not be present on-site and that equipment and PPE would be supplied by the facility.

Commissioners pressed Adams on safety protocols and whether converted weapons could be reloaded on site into live rounds; Adams said converted weapons cannot be readily reconverted and live ammunition would not be allowed in the facility. The Board approved the permit with the staff- and P&Z-recommended conditions and an administrative renewal schedule (expires in three years with administrative renewal options).