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Planning commission recommends shooting‑range permit with conditions after heated public comment
Summary
The commission recommended a special‑use permit for a proposed shooting range on Splendorsgate Road, voting 4–1 to forward the permit to the board of supervisors with conditions addressing berm design, EPA oversight, lead mitigation and noise monitoring after contentious public testimony.
The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission on July 7, 2026 recommended issuance of a special‑use permit for a proposed shooting range on Splendorsgate Road, subject to staff conditions and additional provisions proposed by commissioners for environmental and noise protections. The motion passed 4–1.
Staff told the commission the applicant, Jody Taylor, seeks a special‑use permit for shooting activities on a 25.65‑acre parcel in the Tunstall Election District. Commissioners and staff emphasized the need for certified design of shooting berms, lead‑management plans and sound monitoring. Commissioner Oakes said compliance with EPA guidance and a certified berm design would be prerequisites to conducting live shooting on the site.
Taylor told the commission he has provided drone imagery and elevation shots and said he is willing to work with county staff, the EPA and other experts to implement required safety and environmental measures. "I'm willing to follow all rules and can't find those shots...I'll get whatever the county needs done," he said, acknowledging work remains to implement noise checks and other conditions.
Public comment included both technical questions and sharp personal accusations. Kenny Brumfield, who earlier circulated a petition opposing the permit, alleged that Taylor has a criminal record and cited arrests and other historical incidents; those statements were offered as opposition testimony. Taylor denied some specific accusations, acknowledged firing fireworks on July 4 and said that some reports of incidents attributed to him were mistaken. The commissioners cautioned speakers to focus remarks on the special‑use criteria.
After discussion, commissioners moved to recommend a permit with detailed, written conditions requiring: certified berm design (and EPA oversight/consultation where appropriate), lead‑management or soil remediation planning as needed, a sound‑monitoring plan (with county review), and preconditions that no live shooting commence until conditions are implemented and verified. The motion to recommend the permit with conditions passed 4–1.
Next steps: The recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action. Staff and the applicant will finalize the written conditions, including specifications for berm construction, lead testing/remediation if needed and a mechanism for verifying compliance before firing resumes.
