Planning commission recommends limited-use shooting range; board approves special-use permit with county oversight

Following a planning commission public hearing, staff reported that the planning commission reconvened and forwarded a recommendation to approve a special-use permit for an outdoor shooting range on the landfill/transfer-station property (Highway 1072). The recommendation includes a condition that the facility be used primarily by county law enforcement and that other entities would need county-administrator approval.

A planning commission representative summarized the recommendation: "Following last month's public hearing, the planning commission reconvened and forwarded a recommendation to you all to approve the special use permit...with the condition that the facility be used only by county law enforcement and then any other use by other entities received prior approval from the county administrator." The board discussed whether the public could use the facility for training (for example, concealed-carry or safety classes) and clarified that the planning commission's intent was to allow the sheriff's department and local law enforcement events while requiring county-administrator review for external groups.

After questions and a brief discussion about training and possible paid programs, the board voted and the motion to approve the special-use permit carried.