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Planning Commission directs staff to narrow draft firearm ordinance, defer safety rules to DNR
Summary
The Westminster Planning Commission instructed staff to remove a 'big game' restriction, rely on a 25-acre threshold and DNR safety standards, and require police approval for private outdoor ranges. Staff will return a revised draft on Sept. 15.
The Westminster Planning Commission on Aug. 16 directed staff to revise a draft ordinance that would allow limited firearm discharge inside city limits, removing a proposed 'big game' restriction and deferring safety buffers to state Department of Natural Resources standards.
A planning department staff member told the commission that "city council asked us to prepare an ordinance, to allow firearm discharge within the city limits," and requested feedback on tying such permissions to zoning or an acreage threshold. Police Chief Miller, introduced by staff, said he would accept limited allowances "as long as we can keep it at least by the DNR standards of the 300 feet elevated away from people." Staff also noted state law constrains the city's ability to regulate parcels of 25 acres or larger. After debate about zoning vs. an acreage-only approach and whether to permit private outdoor ranges, a commissioner moved to direct staff to draft new language reflecting the changes; another commissioner seconded the motion and the commission voiced approval. The motion did not record individual vote counts in the transcript.
