The purpose of this article is to establish general guidelines for the siting and operation of commercial firing ranges. The goals of this article are to:

(1)

Encourage the location of commercial firing ranges in nonresidential areas;

(2)

Encourage the owner/operators of such facilities to locate, orient, and configure them in a way that minimizes any potential adverse impact on a community;

(3)

Provide adequate sites for such facilities with minimal negative impact on the resources of the county; and

(4)

Protect public health, safety and welfare.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.5)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Archery. The shooting of arrows or bolts from a bow.

Backstop. A device constructed to stop or redirect bullets fired on a range.

Baffles. Barriers to contain bullets and to reduce, redirect, or suppress sound waves. Baffles are placed either overhead, alongside or at ground level to restrict or interrupt errant or off-the-target shots.

Berm. An embankment used for restricting bullets to a given area, or as a protective or dividing wall between ranges.

Blackpowder. A finely ground mixture of three basic ingredients, sulfur, charcoal (carbon), and saltpeter (potassium nitrate). Often used to refer to blackpowder substitutes, such as Pyrodex.

Bullet. A single projectile fired from a firearm.

Bullet trap. A device designed to trap or capture the entire bullet and fragments as opposed to redirecting the projectile into a water or sand pit.

Cartridge. A self-contained unitized round of ammunition that is made of a case, a primer, powder and a bullet. The case is usually made from brass but may be steel, metal alloy or plastic.

Direct fire zone. The area on a shooting range established according to the relationship of the shooting position and target position. Typically set up on a one-to-one basis (one target to each firing point).

Existing dwelling. For the purpose of this article, either of the following shall constitute an existing dwelling, except that the term shall not apply to a dwelling located on the same parcel as the firing range or to any dwelling maintained by the operator:

(1)

A structure designed for residential use which is occupied on the date a completed application for a firing range building permit or other zoning approval is received by the county; or

(2)

A structure designed for residential use which is not occupied on the date a completed application is received, but which has been issued a certificate of occupancy or a building permit prior to the date on which a completed application for a firing range building permit or other zoning approval is received by the county, or which has been continuously occupied for any period of one year within the five years immediately preceding the date on which a completed application for a firing range building permit or other zoning approval is received by the county.

Firearm. A term used to describe any gun, usually small, from which a bullet is propelled by means of hot gases generated by burning powder (usually smokeless powder or blackpowder).

Firing distance. The distance between the firing line and the target line.

Firing line. A line parallel to the targets from which firearms are discharged.

Firing position (point). An area directly behind the firing line having a specified width and depth that is occupied by a shooter, his equipment and, if appropriate, an instructor or coach.

Firing range.

(1)

A facility designed for the purpose of providing a place on which to discharge firearms or shoot airguns.

(2)

May refer to several ranges constructed in a complex; includes trap, skeet, sporting clay and similar facilities; applies to both indoor and outdoor facilities.

Firing range complex. A grouping of two or more ranges of differing types, purposes or firing distances located at a single site location or property. It may include clubhouses, parking facilities, and other related structures.

Handgun. A term used to describe pistols, either auto-loading, single shot or cylinder types, held in one or two hands with no other support, such as a shoulder stock, etc.

Impact area. That area in a backstop or bullet trap directly behind the target where bullets are expected to impact. The term may also refer to an area down range of an outdoor range where bullets will impact if not captured in a backstop.

Line of sight. An imaginary straight line from the eye through the sights of a firearm to the target.

Muzzleloader. Any of a number of firearms (pistols, rifles and shotguns) designed to be loaded from the muzzle end of the firearm or barrel. The term is often used loosely to refer to firearms loaded from the forward end of a swing-out breech.

Noise. The sensation perceived by the sense of hearing. Unwanted sound is referred to as noise.

Pistol. A firearm capable of being held, aimed, and fired with one hand. Also known as a revolver or a handgun.

Range. The distance traveled by a projectile from the firearm to a final impact point. Three terms apply to range: "point-blank," "effective" and "maximum." For the purposes of shooting range design, point-blank range refers to distances less than five yards; effective range means the greatest distance a projectile will travel with accuracy; maximum range means the maximum distance a projectile will travel.

Range safety officer. The individual charged with the responsibility of insuring that the range activities adhere to all rules and regulations for the health and safety of range users and surrounding properties. Range safety officers shall have current certification as evidenced by successful completion of NRA or equivalent training course, or law enforcement, military or equivalent firearms instructor certification.

Rifle.

(1)

A modern firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, generally having a barrel more than 16 inches long. Its main characteristic is a rifled (grooved) barrel that imparts a spin to a single projectile as it travels through the bore.

(2)

Some rifles designed for military or law enforcement use may have a pistol grip stock in lieu of a shoulder stock.

Rimfire. A cartridge ignited by priming compound distributed around the inside of its rim.

Rules and regulations. Standards used in the operation of a shooting range. Rules and regulations are set up to govern the method of range operation to include health and safety. The violation of range rules and regulations generally carries penalties enforced by operations personnel.

Safety baffles. Vertical or sloping barriers designed to prevent a projectile from traveling into an undesired area or direction. Most often used to prevent bullets from leaving a confined area (the range proper).

Shotgun.

(1)

A firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder with a smoothbore barrel that fires shotshells possessing a varying number of round pellets.

(2)

Some barrels are designed to be used with rifled slugs, most generally having smoothbores, but in rare cases may be rifled.

(3)

Law enforcement and military shotguns may have a pistol grip stock in lieu of a shoulder stock.

Small arms. Firearms that may be both carried and discharged by one person, as opposed to artillery pieces. Small arms are not subject to the precise definitions, but the term usually includes rifles, handguns (pistols), shotguns, submachine guns and machine guns.

Target line. A line parallel to the firing line along which targets are placed.

Trajectory. The path a projectile travels from the muzzle to the point of impact.

Velocity. The speed at which a projectile travels. (Usually measured in feet per second or meters per second).

(Code 2000, § 16.33.6)

(a)

Commercial firing ranges shall be permitted to operate during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday. For competitive events, Sunday hours may be modified to 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. upon approval by the board of supervisors. Range operators shall submit a request for modification no less than 45 days prior to any competitive event, or may submit an annual schedule of competitive events for such modification. The board of supervisors shall have the authority to modify operating hours for facilities in proximity to a church, school, or place of public assembly.

(b)

No rifles exceeding caliber .45 shall be permitted, exclusive of blackpowder rifles, which shall be permitted in higher caliber. No firearms shall be allowed which have been classified as illegal by state or federal statute.

(c)

Firearms and safety rules and regulations shall be prominently posted. Compliance with these regulations shall be monitored and enforced by facility staff. Applicable federal, state, and local laws shall be included. All persons using the firing range shall be required to read the posted safety rules and pertinent laws concerning firearms and shall be required to sign a document of understanding.

(d)

A minimum of one range safety officer shall be on duty during operating hours. Prior to all shooting events, the range safety officer shall walk the range perimeter to assure that no person is in the direct fire zone.

(e)

No person shall be allowed to enter or leave the premises with a loaded firearm. The firearm shall be loaded only on the firing line under the supervision of the range safety officer.

(f)

No person shall be allowed in the facility who appears to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, nor shall alcohol or drugs be carried into the facility.

(g)

Individuals under 18 years of age will be allowed to utilize the facility, provided:

(1)

They are accompanied by parent or legal guardian; or

(2)

They are under adult supervision and a signed release by the parent or guardian is provided.

(h)

The use of explosive tip, armor-piercing or Teflon-coated projectile ammunition shall not be allowed within the facility.

(i)

All persons at the firing line shall wear approved eye and ear protection, unless the person signs a waiver/release declining to use eye and/or ear protection.

(j)

The manufacture of ammunition and the storage of all materials used for manufacture or reload of ammunition shall be permitted on site only in an area or separate building constructed to Virginia Uniform Statewide Fire Prevention Code, chapter 30. The sale of ammunition shall be permitted.

(k)

Written permission shall be provided for the board of supervisors, its lawful agents or duly constituted law enforcement officers to go upon the property at any time for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this article and conditions of the permit as issued. The board of supervisors or its designated agents shall have the right to immediately suspend any permit issued under this article upon noncompliance with any of its provisions or conditions. Following any permit suspension, a hearing shall be held by the board of supervisors to consider permit reinstatement or revocation.

(l)

The board of supervisors may establish special requirements, conditions, or regulations for the protection of facility users or of adjacent property, or make any requirements as they deem necessary in the public interest.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.7)

(a)

There shall be on site during firing range operating hours a minimum of one person with a minimum of basic first aid and CPR certifications. Certifications must be kept current.

(b)

A fully stocked industrial-grade first aid kit shall be maintained on site.

(c)

An applicant may request a variance to this section by providing an alternate medical standards and equipment proposal, certified by an insurance provider or other appropriate agency or organization.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.8)

The applicant shall provide a certificate of liability insurance coverage with minimum limits of $100,000.00 per individual and $500,000.00 for each occurrence. The county shall be named as a coinsured on the insurance policy. The name of the broker or agent and a copy of the policy shall be furnished prior to opening the facility.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.9)

(a)

No person shall operate a commercial firing range without first obtaining a conditional use permit from the board of supervisors.

(b)

Applicants for a conditional use permit for a commercial firing range shall submit the following:

(1)

Land use application form, obtained from county planning and zoning office, and all required attachments.

(2)

Design and construction plans and specifications as specified in section 53-141.

(3)

Facility firearms and safety rules and regulations.

(4)

Applicant's criminal history, as verified by central criminal record exchange maintained by the state police. If the applicant is an association, firm, corporation, partnership or similar entity, this requirement shall apply to all principals.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.10)

(a)

Facilities proposed for permitting under this section shall be designed and constructed in accordance with guidelines specified in The NRA Range Source Book: A Guide to Planning and Construction, published by the National Rifle Association, latest edition. Copies shall be made available for review in the county planning and zoning office.

(b)

A minimum of five complete sets of plans, specifications, and supporting documents and information shall be submitted.

(c)

Plans, specifications and other facility information shall be submitted by the county to the National Rifle Association range department for review and comment. The county shall have the authority to accept, reject, or amend any or all comments provided by the NRA range department.

(d)

Plans, specifications, and other facility information may be reviewed to determine compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations by appropriate regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, county planning and zoning office, county building code office, state department of health, soil and water conservation district office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and state and local law enforcement.

(e)

Signs shall be mounted along the range boundary, separated by not more than 100 feet, with the words "Firing Range" and "Do Not Enter" on each sign. Signs shall be a minimum of 18 inches by 24 inches and shall be bright or fluorescent red or orange. In addition, flags or banners noting "Range is Hot" shall be displayed at firing line during shooting. Alternate signage, flag or banner wording may be used if approved by board of supervisors.

(f)

Outdoor lights or lighting shall be designed and installed so as to diminish to the greatest extent possible the glare emanating from such lights or lighting onto adjoining properties.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.11)

(a)

The range/shooting area shall be located a minimum of 300 feet from any highway right-of-way and from any property line, and a minimum of 1,000 feet from any existing dwelling.

(b)

All structures, including clubhouse and/or office building, shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from any highway right-of-way and from any property line. This shall not include residential dwellings located on the property

(c)

Contiguous parcels under same ownership shall constitute a single site.

(d)

No part of an approved site shall be subdivided and sold so as to violate any specified setbacks/offsets.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.12)

Firing ranges in existence at the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived shall be considered as nonconforming uses, inasmuch as each has had continuous existence and continuous operation prior to the adoption of this article. Any expansion or modification of such ranges shall be in compliance with this article.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.13)

Turkey shoots, target shoots, and similar events of an infrequent nature sponsored by agencies or organizations that have been classified as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service shall be exempt from the requirement of this chapter.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.14)

An applicant for a permit for a commercial firing range shall have the right to seek a variance from the terms and standards of this article provided the applicant can present evidence that the variance is in harmony with the intent, spirit, and purpose of this article. Variances may be considered under one or more of the following conditions:

(1)

Exceptional narrowness, shallowness, size, shape or topographic condition of the parcel.

(2)

Use of new or alternate technologies, design, construction techniques, or range operations that are proven to achieve an equal or greater degree of user or public safety or noise mitigation or the effect of other impacts.

(Code 2000, § 16.33.15)