Planning commission backs Long Range Shooters site plan, rejects condition to replace metal panels

The Alpine City Planning Commission voted 5–2 on June 16 to recommend to City Council approval of the Long Range Shooters of Utah commercial site plan, a proposed 1,600‑square‑foot building with retail, warehouse, office and an owner‑occupied one‑bedroom apartment above.

Caden Lyon, the city planner who introduced the item, said the application meets the Business Commercial zone and most Gateway Historic District guidelines while noting the applicant added a 10‑foot public utility easement along the front property line. Lyon told commissioners the parking requirement equates to 3.5 stalls per 1,000 square feet; the plan proposes seven exterior stalls plus two interior apartment stalls. He recommended the commission send a positive recommendation to council contingent on exterior material compliance with the gateway guidelines.

Applicant Rick Christianson, owner with Benton Hill Construction, described the proposed exterior finish as ACM (aluminum composite material) panels with matte‑black framing and said the product is a slim folded metal panel commonly used on modern commercial buildings. Owner‑operator Bryce Bergen said the business will focus on low‑volume, high‑end long‑range rifles and training and that much of the business will be appointment‑based: “I might have a dozen people come by in a given month,” Bergen said, arguing traffic will be minimal.

Commission discussion centered on whether ACM is consistent with the Gateway Historic District standards, which encourage stone, brick, wood or stucco and allow "innovative use of other materials that mimic the primary exterior materials." Commissioner Jeff Davis pressed for consistency with the district’s intent, saying the commission has spent years developing a look for Main Street. Commissioner Greg Butterfield and others noted examples in town that already incorporate metal accents and said the paneling can be designed to read as an accent rather than the primary material. Commissioner John McKay moved a recommendation with conditions that the city confirm legal compliance for firearm sales near residences or schools, require a clear sidewalk/apron integration, and replace the center ACM field with stained wood; that motion failed for lack of an immediate second. McKay later moved — and Troy Slade seconded — an amended motion finding the ACM treatment acceptable as presented provided the city confirm legal compliance and ensure apron/sidewalk integration; that motion passed 5–2 (ayes: Troy Slade, John McKay, Alan McDonald, Greg Butterfield, Sue Wittenberg; nays: Jeff Davis, Michelle Shermer).

The commission’s action is a recommendation to the City Council; final authority for site plan approval and any ordinance changes rests with council. The commission asked staff to ensure the applicant documents compliance with local, state and federal laws about firearm sales and to clarify sidewalk and parking transitions before the council packet is prepared.