Powhatan supervisors direct staff to hold public input sessions on restricting outdoor shooting

The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on June 22 to direct county staff to organize public input sessions on whether to prohibit outdoor firearm discharge in areas the county deems too dense for shooting. Chairman Donati made the motion after staff outlined legal limits and examples from other Virginia localities.

County Administrator Will Hagy told the Board that Virginia law allows localities to prohibit outdoor shooting in densely populated areas but cautioned that any ordinance must be broadly applicable rather than aimed at a single subdivision. Chair Donati explained, "Powhatan has never had a firearm discharge restriction and that he wanted to give the community intentional opportunities to weigh in before the Board takes action." Mr. Kinney cast the lone nay vote, saying he preferred a more targeted approach or a formal public hearing process rather than extended listening sessions.

Board members split on whether the initial focus should be countywide or targeted at Glen Brook, where complaints prompted the proposal. Mr. Powers urged a prompt process limited in number, while Dr. Brown and Mr. McClung supported gathering public input but differed on scope. The motion directs staff to complete outreach and include a draft ordinance in the advertisement for the sessions, with findings to be returned to the Board by the end of August.

The action does not adopt an ordinance; it establishes a public-engagement step. The Board recorded a 4-1 vote in favor (Chairman Donati, Mr. McClung, Mr. Powers and Dr. Brown AYE; Mr. Kinney NAY).